The Higher Arithmetic
An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

A classic text in number theory; this eighth edition contains new material on primality testing written by J. H. Davenport.

H. Davenport (Author)

9780521722360, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 October 2008

250 pages, 3 tables 150 exercises
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.37 kg

'Its popularity is based on a very readable style of exposition.' EMS Newsletter

The theory of numbers is generally considered to be the 'purest' branch of pure mathematics and demands exactness of thought and exposition from its devotees. It is also one of the most highly active and engaging areas of mathematics. Now into its eighth edition The Higher Arithmetic introduces the concepts and theorems of number theory in a way that does not require the reader to have an in-depth knowledge of the theory of numbers but also touches upon matters of deep mathematical significance. Since earlier editions, additional material written by J. H. Davenport has been added, on topics such as Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, computers and number theory, and primality testing. Written to be accessible to the general reader, with only high school mathematics as prerequisite, this classic book is also ideal for undergraduate courses on number theory, and covers all the necessary material clearly and succinctly.

Introduction
1. Factorization and the primes
2. Congruences
3. Quadratic residues
4. Continued fractions
5. Sums of squares
6. Quadratic forms
7. Some Diophantine equations
8. Computers and number theory
Exercises
Hints
Answers
Bibliography
Index
Additional notes.

Subject Areas: Number theory [PBH]