Math 202 -- Introduction to Number Theory 

Math 205 is an introduction to the classical theory of numbers. Our focus will be on learning to generalize from examples to precise conjectures. In higher level math courses, the emphasis is on finding counterexamples to conjectures or proving them. This course is not a requirement for the math major or minor, but it can be counted as a 200-level elective toward either the major or the minor. It is also good preparation for Math 333. Math 202 is typically offered in alternate years.

Prerequisites: Math 115 or consent of the instructor.

Who should take this course?
First and second year students curious about how mathematical discoveries are made
Math majors or minors
Students considering a career in teaching mathematics at the secondary level
Computer science students interested in public key cryptography

Topics covered:
Primes and divisibility
Congruences
Chinese Remainder Theorem
Quadratic Reciprocity
Sums of squares
Diophantine equations
Continued fractions
Approximation by rationals
Pell's equation


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For detailed information about Math 202 this year, please consult the list of Fall Courses and Spring Courses linked to the Mathematics and Statistics Home Page.