| Details: This course is an elementary introduction to number theory. Topics covered include rational and irrational numbers, primes, congruences, Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity, and applications to cryptography. Students will learn several famous theorems such as Fermat's Little Theorem, Wilson's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, and Gauss' Quadratic Reciprocity Law. In addition, class time will be devoted to understanding some of the more recent developments in the field, such as Fermat's Last Theorem and Goldbach's Conjecture. Prerequisite: Math 236. (F, odd years) |