Math 3320 - Introduction to Number Theory
Fall 2018

Time and Place:

LEC001 MWF 12:20-1:10pm, Dan Barbasch (dmb14), MLT 251

LEC002 MWF 1:25-2:15pm, Brian Hwang (bwh59), MLT 406

Course Description

An introductory course on number theory, the branch of algebra that studies the deeper properties of integers and their generalizations. Usually includes most of the following topics: the Euclidean algorithm, continued fractions, Pythagorean triples, Diophantine equations such as Pell's equation, congruences, quadratic reciprocity, binary quadratic forms, Gaussian integers, and factorization in quadratic number fields. May include a brief introduction to Fermat's Last Theorem.

Office Hours

Dan Barbasch, MWF after class,We 6:00pm-8:00pm Problem Session/Office hours, MLT203 or MLT543, Thu 1:00-2:00pm, MLT543

Brian Hwang, Thursdays 2:30-3:30pm and after classes, MLT 580.

Philip Bonneville (pbb64), Wednesdays 10:20-11:35am, Thursdays 3:30-4:25pm, MLT 218.

Zhengdi Shen 4:30 -6:30 Thu 657 Rhodes Hall

Textbook

The Higher Arithmetic: An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers by Harold Davenport.

We expect to cover chapters 1-7 plus some additional material. Check the schedule.

An electronic copy of the book is free for Cornell students, via the Cornell library:

https://newcatalog.library.cornell.edu/catalog/10239336

Registration

This is done exclusively through MLT310A. Please check the Cornell web sites for the last day for making changes to a course registration. Similarly for the last day for dropping a class without penalty.

Grading

Course grades will be determined on the basis of homework, one prelim and a final:

30% Homework

30% Prelim Exam (Tuesday, October 30)

40% Final Exam (Tuesday, December 11)

Homework will be assigned weekly and collected each Friday in class. You are encouraged to collaborate with others on assignments, but each student must write up solutions on their own, in their own words and list their collaborators on the first page of their submitted homework. Each student is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity.

http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/aic.cfm

No electronic devices or study aids or notes of any kind are allowed on the exams. In particular, calculators are NOT allowed.

Policies:

No late homework will be accepted without a note from the Health Center or the Dean's Office. However, in calculating final grades, we will drop the lowest homework score.

There are no make-up exams. If exceptional circumstances arise, let us know as soon as possible so that we can make the proper arrangements. You will need to provide a letter from the dean.

NO aid from VARIOUS EXTERNAL web sites is allowed. Ask your instructor(s) or TA(s) for help.