Problems In Algebraic Number Theory

The problems are systematically arranged to reveal the evolution of concepts and ideas of the subject Includes various levels of problems - some are easy and straightforward, while others are more challenging All problems are elegantly solved

Broad graduate-level account of Algebraic Number Theory, first published in 2001, including exercises, by a world-renowned author.

First published in 1979 and written by two distinguished mathematicians with a special gift for exposition, this book is now available in a completely revised third edition. It reflects the exciting developments in number theory during the past two decades that culminated in the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. Intended as a upper level textbook, it

The problems are systematically arranged to reveal the evolution of concepts and ideas of the subject Includes various levels of problems - some are easy and straightforward, while others are more challenging All problems are elegantly solved

This monograph makes available, in English, the elementary parts of classical algebraic number theory. This second edition follows closely the plan and style of the first edition. The principal changes are the correction of misprints, the expansion or simplification of some arguments, and the omission of the final chapter on units in order to make way for the introduction of some two hundred problems.

Quadratic Number Theory is an introduction to algebraic number theory for readers with a moderate knowledge of elementary number theory and some familiarity with the terminology of abstract algebra. By restricting attention to questions about squares the author achieves the dual goals of making the presentation accessible to undergraduates and reflecting the historical roots of the subject. The representation of integers by quadratic forms is emphasized throughout the text. Lehman introduces an innovative notation for ideals of a quadratic domain that greatly facilitates computation and he uses this to particular effect. The text has an unusual focus on actual computation. This focus, and this notation, serve the author's historical purpose as well; ideals can be seen as number-like objects, as Kummer and Dedekind conceived of them. The notation can be adapted to quadratic forms and provides insight into the connection between quadratic forms and ideals. The computation of class groups and continued fraction representations are featured—the author's notation makes these computations particularly illuminating. Quadratic Number Theory, with its exceptionally clear prose, hundreds of exercises, and historical motivation, would make an excellent textbook for a second undergraduate course in number theory. The clarity of the exposition would also make it a terrific choice for independent reading. It will be exceptionally useful as a fruitful launching pad for undergraduate research projects in algebraic number theory.

. . . if one wants to make progress in mathematics one should study the masters not the pupils. N. H. Abel Heeke was certainly one of the masters, and in fact, the study of Heeke L series and Heeke operators has permanently embedded his name in the fabric of number theory. It is a rare occurrence when a master writes a basic book, and Heeke's Lectures on the Theory of Algebraic Numbers has become a classic. To quote another master, Andre Weil: "To improve upon Heeke, in a treatment along classical lines of the theory of algebraic numbers, would be a futile and impossible task. " We have tried to remain as close as possible to the original text in pre serving Heeke's rich, informal style of exposition. In a very few instances we have substituted modern terminology for Heeke's, e. g. , "torsion free group" for "pure group. " One problem for a student is the lack of exercises in the book. However, given the large number of texts available in algebraic number theory, this is not a serious drawback. In particular we recommend Number Fields by D. A. Marcus (Springer-Verlag) as a particularly rich source. We would like to thank James M. Vaughn Jr. and the Vaughn Foundation Fund for their encouragement and generous support of Jay R. Goldman without which this translation would never have appeared. Minneapolis George U. Brauer July 1981 Jay R.

This introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermats Last Theorem" follows its historical development, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummers theory of "ideal" factorization. The more elementary topics, such as Eulers proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an uncomplicated way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of Kummers theory to quadratic integers and relates this to Gauss'theory of binary quadratic forms, an interesting and important connection that is not explored in any other book.