Problems In Analytic Number Theory

This problem book gathers together 15 problem sets on analytic number theory that can be profitably approached by anyone from advanced high school students to those pursuing graduate studies. It emerged from a 5-week course taught by the first author as part of the 2019 Ross/Asia Mathematics Program held from July 7 to August 9 in Zhenjiang, China. While it is recommended that the reader has a solid background in mathematical problem solving (as from training for mathematical contests), no possession of advanced subject-matter knowledge is assumed. Most of the solutions require nothing more than elementary number theory and a good grasp of calculus. Problems touch at key topics like the value-distribution of arithmetic functions, the distribution of prime numbers, the distribution of squares and nonsquares modulo a prime number, Dirichlet's theorem on primes in arithmetic progressions, and more. This book is suitable for any student with a special interest in developing problem-solving skills in analytic number theory. It will be an invaluable aid to lecturers and students as a supplementary text for introductory Analytic Number Theory courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

"In order to become proficient in mathematics, or in any subject," writes Andre Weil, "the student must realize that most topics in volve only a small number of basic ideas. " After learning these basic concepts and theorems, the student should "drill in routine exercises, by which the necessary reflexes in handling such concepts may be ac quired. . . . There can be no real understanding of the basic concepts of a mathematical theory without an ability to use them intelligently and apply them to specific problems. " Weil's insightfulobservation becomes especially important at the graduate and research level. It is the viewpoint of this book. Our goal is to acquaint the student with the methods of analytic number theory as rapidly as possible through examples and exercises. Any landmark theorem opens up a method of attacking other problems. Unless the student is able to sift out from the mass of theory the underlying techniques, his or her understanding will only be academic and not that of a participant in research. The prime number theorem has given rise to the rich Tauberian theory and a general method of Dirichlet series with which one can study the asymptotics of sequences. It has also motivated the development of sieve methods. We focus on this theme in the book. We also touch upon the emerging Selberg theory (in Chapter 8) and p-adic analytic number theory (in Chapter 10).

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 book is an introduction to analytic number theory suitable for beginning graduate students. It covers everything one expects in a first course in this field, such as growth of arithmetic functions, existence of primes in arithmetic progressions, and the Prime Number Theorem. But it also covers more challenging topics that might be used in a second course, such as the Siegel-Walfisz theorem, functional equations of L-functions, and the explicit formula of von Mangoldt. For students with an interest in Diophantine analysis, there is a chapter on the Circle Method and Waring's Problem. Those with an interest in algebraic number theory may find the chapter on the analytic theory of number fields of interest, with proofs of the Dirichlet unit theorem, the analytic class number formula, the functional equation of the Dedekind zeta function, and the Prime Ideal Theorem. The exposition is both clear and precise, reflecting careful attention to the needs of the reader. The text includes extensive historical notes, which occur at the ends of the chapters. The exercises range from introductory problems and standard problems in analytic number theory to interesting original problems that will challenge the reader. The author has made an effort to provide clear explanations for the techniques of analysis used. No background in analysis beyond rigorous calculus and a first course in complex function theory is assumed.

"One might have thought that number theory was simply the study of numbers, but that is too broad a definition, since numbers are almost ubiquitous in mathematics. Number theory is a vast and fascinating field of mathematics, sometimes called ""higher arithmetic,"" consisting of the study of the properties of whole numbers. Primes and prime factorization are especially important in number theory, as are a number of functions such as the divisor function, Riemann zeta function, and totient function. Analytic number theory is a branch of number theory that uses methods from mathematical analysis to solve problems about the integers. Analytic number theory, and its applications and interactions, are currently experiencing intensive progress, in sometimes unexpected directions. In recent years, many important classical questions have seen spectacular advances based on new techniques; conversely, methods developed in analytic number theory have led to the solution of striking problems in other fields. Recent advances in analytic number theory have had repercussions in various mathematical subjects, such as harmonic analysis, ergodic theory and dynamics, additive and multiplicative combinatorics and theoretical computer science. The biggest technical change after 1950 has been the development of sieve methods, particularly in multiplicative problems. These are combinatorial in nature, and quite varied. The extremal branch of combinatorial theory has in return been greatly influenced by the value placed in analytic number theory on quantitative upper and lower bounds. Another recent development is probabilistic number theory, which uses methods from probability theory to estimate the distribution of number theoretic functions, such as how many prime divisors a number has. Problems in Analytic Number Theory present a problem-solving approach to the difficult subject of analytic number theory. This book is focused at researchers, teachers, and graduate students interested in number theory and its links with other branches of science."

An undergraduate-level 2003 introduction whose only prerequisite is a standard calculus course.

Some of the central topics in number theory, presnted in a simple and concise fashion. The author covers an amazing amount of material, despite a leisurely pace and emphasis on readability. His heartfelt enthusiasm enables readers to see what is magical about the subject. All the topics are presented in a refreshingly elegant and efficient manner with clever examples and interesting problems throughout. The text is suitable for a graduate course in analytic number theory.

Aimed at a level between textbooks and the latest research monographs, this book is directed at researchers, teachers, and graduate students interested in number theory and its connections with other branches of science. Choosing to emphasize topics not sufficiently covered in the literature, the author has attempted to give as broad a picture as possible of the problems of analytic number theory.