Biscuits of number theory.

9780883853405

Biscuits of number theory.

Ed. by Arthur T. Benjamin and Ezra Brown.

Mathematical Assn. of America

2009

309 pages

$62.50

Hardcover

The Dolciani mathematical expositions; no.34

QA241

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.

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