E-raamat: Biscuits of Number Theory

An anthology of articles designed to supplement a first course in number theory.

Brown (mathematics, Virginia Tech) and Benjamin (mathematics, Harvey Mudd College) collect award-winning articles that can be appreciated by anyone who has taken, or is taking, a first course in number theory. Why call them biscuits? According to the editors, "Each item is not too big, easily digested, and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy when you're through." The articles were previously published in various mathematical journals over the past 25 years, with a few articles going back to the 1950s through the 1970s. Articles are grouped in sections on arithmetic, primes, irrationality and continued fractions, sums of squares and polygonal numbers, Fibonacci numbers, number-theoretic functions, and elliptic curves, cubes, and Fermat's last theorem. Many of the articles conclude with 'second helpings,' references leading students to related topics. The articles can be used as starting points for discussions, follow-ups to classroom presentations, and research projects. The book can be used as a supplement for a number theory course, especially one that requires students to write papers or do outside reading. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

In Biscuits of Number Theory, the editors have chosen articles that are exceptionally well written and that can be appreciated by anyone who has taken (or is taking) a first course in number theory. This book could be used as a textbook supplement for a number theory course, especially one that requires students to write papers or do outside reading. Here are some of the possibilities: The collection is divided into seven chapters: Arithmetic, Primes, Irrationality, Sums of Squares and Polygonal Numbers, Fibonacci Numbers, Number Theoretic Functions, and Elliptic Curves, Cubes, and Fermat's Last Theorem. As with any anthology, you don't have to read the Biscuits in order. Dip into them anywhere: pick something from the Table of Contents that strikes your fancy, and have at it. If the end of an article leaves you wondering what happens next, then by all means dive in and do some research. You just might discover something new!

A collection of articles on number theory that are divided into seven main parts: Arithmetic, Primes, Irrationality, Sums of Squares and Polygonal Numbers, Fibonacci Numbers, Number Theoretic Functions, and Elliptic Curves, Cubes, and Fermat's Last Theorem.