Quadratic Number Fields

This undergraduate textbook provides an elegant introduction to the arithmetic of quadratic number fields, including many topics not usually covered in books at this level. Quadratic fields offer an introduction to algebraic number theory and some of its central objects: rings of integers, the unit group, ideals and the ideal class group. This textbook provides solid grounding for further study by placing the subject within the greater context of modern algebraic number theory. Going beyond what is usually covered at this level, the book introduces the notion of modularity in the context of quadratic reciprocity, explores the close links between number theory and geometry via Pell conics, and presents applications to Diophantine equations such as the Fermat and Catalan equations as well as elliptic curves. Throughout, the book contains extensive historical comments, numerous exercises (with solutions), and pointers to further study. Assuming a moderate background in elementary number theory and abstract algebra, Quadratic Number Fields offers an engaging first course in algebraic number theory, suitable for upper undergraduate students.

By focusing on quadratic numbers, this advanced undergraduate or master’s level textbook on algebraic number theory is accessible even to students who have yet to learn Galois theory. The techniques of elementary arithmetic, ring theory and linear algebra are shown working together to prove important theorems, such as the unique factorization of ideals and the finiteness of the ideal class group. The book concludes with two topics particular to quadratic fields: continued fractions and quadratic forms. The treatment of quadratic forms is somewhat more advanced than usual, with an emphasis on their connection with ideal classes and a discussion of Bhargava cubes. The numerous exercises in the text offer the reader hands-on computational experience with elements and ideals in quadratic number fields. The reader is also asked to fill in the details of proofs and develop extra topics, like the theory of orders. Prerequisites include elementary number theory and a basic familiarity with ring theory.

The new theory of Jacobi forms over totally real number fields introduced in this monograph is expected to give further insight into the arithmetic theory of Hilbert modular forms, its L-series, and into elliptic curves over number fields. This work is inspired by the classical theory of Jacobi forms over the rational numbers, which is an indispensable tool in the arithmetic theory of elliptic modular forms, elliptic curves, and in many other disciplines in mathematics and physics. Jacobi forms can be viewed as vector valued modular forms which take values in so-called Weil representations. Accordingly, the first two chapters develop the theory of finite quadratic modules and associated Weil representations over number fields. This part might also be interesting for those who are merely interested in the representation theory of Hilbert modular groups. One of the main applications is the complete classification of Jacobi forms of singular weight over an arbitrary totally real number field.

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.

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The first thing you will find out about this book is that it is fun to read. It is meant for the browser, as well as for the student and for the specialist wanting to know about the area. The footnotes give an historical background to the text, in addition to providing deeper applications of the concept that is being cited. This allows the browser to look more deeply into the history or to pursue a given sideline. Those who are only marginally interested in the area will be able to read the text, pick up information easily, and be entertained at the same time by the historical and philosophical digressions. It is rich in structure and motivation in its concentration upon quadratic orders. This is not a book that is primarily about tables, although there are 80 pages of appendices that contain extensive tabular material (class numbers of real and complex quadratic fields up to 104; class group structures; fundamental units of real quadratic fields; and more!). This book is primarily a reference book and graduate student text with more than 200 exercises and a great deal of hints! The motivation for the text is best given by a quote from the Preface of Quadratics: "There can be no stronger motivation in mathematical inquiry than the search for truth and beauty. It is this author's long-standing conviction that number theory has the best of both of these worlds. In particular, algebraic and computational number theory have reached a stage where the current state of affairs richly deserves a proper elucidation. It is this author's goal to attempt to shine the best possible light on the subject."

Modern number theory began with the work of Euler and Gauss to understand and extend the many unsolved questions left behind by Fermat. In the course of their investigations, they uncovered new phenomena in need of explanation, which over time led to the discovery of field theory and its intimate connection with complex multiplication. While most texts concentrate on only the elementary or advanced aspects of this story, Primes of the Form x2 + ny2 begins with Fermat and explains how his work ultimately gave birth to quadratic reciprocity and the genus theory of quadratic forms. Further, the book shows how the results of Euler and Gauss can be fully understood only in the context of class field theory. Finally, in order to bring class field theory down to earth, the book explores some of the magnificent formulas of complex multiplication. The central theme of the book is the story of which primes p can be expressed in the form x2 + ny2. An incomplete answer is given using quadratic forms. A better though abstract answer comes from class field theory, and finally, a concrete answer is provided by complex multiplication. Along the way, the reader is introduced to some wonderful number theory. Numerous exercises and examples are included. The book is written to be enjoyed by readers with modest mathematical backgrounds. Chapter 1 uses basic number theory and abstract algebra, while chapters 2 and 3 require Galois theory and complex analysis, respectively.

A translation of Hilberts "Theorie der algebraischen Zahlkörper" best known as the "Zahlbericht", first published in 1897, in which he provides an elegantly integrated overview of the development of algebraic number theory up to the end of the nineteenth century. The Zahlbericht also provided a firm foundation for further research in the theory, and can be seen as the starting point for all twentieth century investigations into the subject, as well as reciprocity laws and class field theory. This English edition further contains an introduction by F. Lemmermeyer and N. Schappacher.