This book serves as an introduction to number theory at the undergraduate level, emphasizing geometric aspects of the subject. The geometric approach is exploited to explore in some depth the classical topic of quadratic forms with integer coefficients, a central topic of the book. Quadratic forms of this type in two variables have a very rich theory, developed mostly by Euler, Lagrange, Legendre, and Gauss during the period 1750-1800. In this book their approach is modernized by using the splendid visualization tool introduced by John Conway in the 1990s called the topograph of a quadratic form. Besides the intrinsic interest of quadratic forms, this theory has also served as a stepping stone for many later developments in algebra and number theory.The book is accessible to students with a basic knowledge of linear algebra and arithmetic modulo $n$. Some exposure to mathematical proofs will also be helpful. The early chapters focus on examples rather than general theorems, but theorems and their proofs play a larger role as the book progresses.
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Provides an introduction to number theory at the undergraduate level, emphasizing geometric aspects of the subject. The geometric approach is exploited to explore in depth the classical topic of quadratic forms with integer coefficients, a central topic of the book.
Les mer
A previewThe Farey diagramContinued fractionsSymmetries of the Farey diagramQuadratic formsClassification of quadratic formsRepresentations by quadratic formsThe class group for quadratic formsQuadratic fieldsTablesGlossary of nonstandard terminologyBibliographyIndex
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781470456115
Publisert
2023-01-30
Utgiver
Vendor
American Mathematical Society
Vekt
363 gr
Høyde
254 mm
Bredde
178 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
349

Forfatter

Biographical note

Allen Hatcher, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.