Mathematics 332, Fall 2001
Course information
under construction
Prerequites
The official prerequisite is a course in linear algebra.
The course should be accessible to those with a thorough
command of addition and multiplication of integers and
motivated to do some creative problem solving.
Topics
Euclidean Algorithm
Guassian integers
Congruence classes and the rings Z/mZ
Chinese Remainder Theorem
Polynomial congruences
Quadratic reciprocity
Order and index
As time permits: other quadratic number fields,
solving Diophantine equations,
primality testing and factorization.
Exams
There will be two prelims (dates to be announced) and a final (Thursday,
December 13, 9am).
Homework
There will be weekly homework assignments. There may also be an occasional
short quiz,
always announced in advance. The homework is an important part of the
course. Most of your
learning will take place while doing it.
The homework covers material to go along with the class. Please
keep current with the homework.
As a rule, late homework will not be accepted.
Homework solutions will be placed on reserve in the math library.
Write homework solutions carefully, using good English, complete sentences,
adequate detail, and
so on. Some of these solutions will be proofs. A good guideline here
is that you should write proofs
the way you would like to see them in your textbook.
Working together on Homework
Discussion about the course in general and homework is encouraged; however,
I expect you will write up the solutions by yourself.
If the ideas come from other than you and the textbook, reference their
source.
Working together on exams, prelims, quizzes: don't.
Permitted aids will be specified. Cornell has an academic integrity
policy. 'nuff said.
Grading
The grade will be based on the homework and quizzes (15%), the prelims
(25% each),
and the final (35%). This formula is intended as a rough guideline
only.
Text
A. Adler and J. Coury, The theory of numbers.
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The text is available as a photocopy from Cathy Stevens (330 Malott?)
for $23. Make checks payable to Cornell University (GO BIG RED!).
Optional Text
L. Child, A concrete introduction to higher algebra.
Other references
Davenport's The higher arithmetic is on reserve.
Call number QA241 contains several books with
the clever title "Elementary Number Theory" . Browse!
Back to course home page.
lawren@math.cornell.edu
Last modified: Sat Aug 19 09:29:56 EDT 2000