Fermat's Last Theorem: A Genetic Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory: 50 (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 50) - Softcover

Edwards, Harold M.

 
9780387950020: Fermat's Last Theorem: A Genetic Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory: 50 (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 50)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0387950028 ISBN 13: 9780387950020
Publisher: Springer, 2000

Synopsis

This book is an introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermat's Last Theorem." The exposition follows the historical development of the problem, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummer's theory of "ideal" factorization, by means of which the theorem is proved for all prime exponents less than 37. The more elementary topics, such as Euler's proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an elementary way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of Kummer's ideal theory to quadratic integers and relates this theory to Gauss' theory of binary quadratic forms, an interesting and important connection that is not explored in any other book.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Synopsis

This book is an introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermat's Last Theorem." The exposition follows the historical development of the problem, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummer's theory of "ideal" factorization, by means of which the theorem is proved for all prime exponents less than 37. The more elementary topics, such as Euler's proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an elementary way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of Kummer's ideal theory to quadratic integers and relates this theory to Gauss' theory of binary quadratic forms, an interesting and important connection that is not explored in any other book.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Springer
Publication date
2000
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0387950028
ISBN 13 
9780387950020
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
422

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780387902302: Fermat's Last Theorem: A Genetic Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory: 50 (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 50)

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0387902309 ISBN 13:  9780387902302
Publisher: Springer, 1977
Hardcover