Table of Contents

Preface to the second edition; Introduction; 1. The fundamental theorem of arithmetic; 2. Modular addition and Euler's Phi function; 3. Modular multiplication; 4. Quadratic residues; 5. The equation xn+yn=zn, for n=2, 3, 4; 6. Sums of squares; 7. Partitions; 8. Quadratic forms; 9. Geometry of numbers; 10. Continued fractions; 11. Approximation of irrationals by rationals; bibliography; Index.

Promotional Information

This book leads readers from simple number work to the point where they can prove the classical results of elementary number theory for themselves.

Reviews

'I'm pleased to report there is a new edition of R. Burn's A Pathway into Number Theory, a book that takes readers quickly and painlessly from simple facts about whole numbers to the wonders of the quadratic forms, Pell's equation and Minkowski's theorem.' Ian Stewart, New Scientist '... admirably suitable for those meeting number theory for the first time and for unsupported individual study.' Nick Lord, The Mathematical Gazette