| Math 3 |
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| Number Theory for Beginners | |
| Spring 2006-07 | |
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TR 9:00 - 10:25 //
257 Sloan
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Instructor:
Peter Keevash, 280 Sloan, keevash "at" caltech "dot" edu
TA:
Abhishek Saha, 260 Sloan, saha "at" caltech "dot" edu.
Office hours 2pm-3pm.
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The final class will be Tuesday May 29. Eric Wambach will give an introduction to advanced number theory. Please complete the online course survey next week (not yet available). |
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The theory of numbers is one of the most important and accessible topics in mathematics, and has exercised human curiosity since the time when ancient civilizations needed an understanding of simple arithmetic. This course will give an introduction to elementary Number Theory, discussing various classical topics in Higher Arithmetic, including Euclid's algorithm, congruences, Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity, Fermat's Little Theorem and applications such as RSA public key cryptography. |
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| Grades will be based on homework assignments. You may discuss homework problems with other students, and use any hints that are available. You are required to understand your answer completely and write it in your own words. Copying is not permitted. Late homework will not be tolerated in this class. In case of difficulties with the work it is important to contact the instructor as soon as possible with any requests for special allowances. Last minute requests for extensions will not be favorably received. |
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The Higher Arithmetic (7th ed.) by H. Davenport, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0 521 63446 6 (strongly recommended but not required for the class) |
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| Due date | Homework |
| April 19 | Homework 1 |
| May 3 | Homework 2 |
| May 17 | Homework 3 |
| June 5 | Homework 4 |