We see that the vertex of the quadratic function $y=x^{2}+a^{2}$ is $\left(0, a^{2}\right)$. The $y$-intercept of the line $y=x+a$ is $(0, a)$. We want to find the values (if any) such that $a=a^{2}$. Solving for $a$, the only values that satisfy this are 0 and 1 , so the answer is $(\text{C}) 2$ 
For how many values of $a$ is it true that the line $y=x+a$ passes through the vertex of the parabola $y=x^{2}+a^{2}$? (2005 AMC 12B Problem, Question \#8) 
Options:
A) $$0$$ 
B) $$1$$ 
C) $$2$$ 
D) $$10$$ 
E) infinitely many 