A Concise Introduction to the Theory of Numbers [Paperback]

In this book, Professor Baker describes the rudiments of number theory in a concise, simple and direct manner.Based upon the renowned author's Cambridge lectures, the text simplifies the complexities of the basic elements of number theory and stimulates the reader to pursue further study.Based upon the renowned author's Cambridge lectures, the text simplifies the complexities of the basic elements of number theory and stimulates the reader to pursue further study.Number theory has a long and distinguished history and the concepts and problems relating to the subject have been instrumental in the foundation of much of mathematics. In this book, Professor Baker describes the rudiments of number theory in a concise, simple and direct manner. Though most of the text is classical in content, he includes many guides to further study which will stimulate the reader to delve into the great wealth of literature devoted to the subject. The book is based on Professor Baker's lectures given at the University of Cambridge and is intended for undergraduate students of mathematics.Preface; Introduction; 1. Divisibility; 2. Arithmetical functions; 3. Congruences; 4. Quadratic residues; 5. Quadratic forms; 6. Diophantine approximation; 7. Quadratic fields; 8. Diophantine equations. Many books do not live up to their titles, but this is one that definitely does. Mathematical Reviews Includes excellent exercises. The material in this book makes up a superb introduction to number theory American Math Monthly