Is Number Theory the Black Sheep of Mathematics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around participants' opinions on number theory, exploring whether it is viewed positively or negatively within the broader context of mathematics. The conversation touches on personal experiences with number theory courses, its perceived value, and the nature of problems within the field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express dislike for number theory, citing negative experiences with coursework and the nature of homework and tests as overly reliant on "tricks."
  • Others indicate a fondness for number theory itself, though some differentiate between enjoying the theory and its applications.
  • A participant mentions that solving unsolved problems in number theory can be challenging, despite the problems being stated simply.
  • One participant describes number theory as a rich field but also characterizes it as "less ambitious" and "childish," referencing a historical figure's potential reaction to this view.
  • Another participant expresses a lukewarm attitude, recognizing the richness of the field while also finding it somewhat trivial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on their views of number theory, with multiple competing perspectives on its value and the nature of the coursework associated with it.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' opinions are influenced by their personal experiences in specific courses, which may not reflect the field of number theory as a whole. There is also a distinction made between the theory itself and its applications, indicating varying levels of appreciation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the subjective experiences of studying number theory, as well as those curious about differing opinions on its significance within mathematics.

Do you like number theory

  • Yes

    Votes: 17 70.8%

  • No

    Votes: 7 29.2%
  • Total voters
    24
tgt
Messages
519
Reaction score
2
Anyone here who enjoys maths in general, dislikes number theory? If so why? Have a vote.
 
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I voted no. It's only a theory.
 
If only both were check boxes
 
jimmysnyder said:
I voted no. It's only a theory.
And it was responsible for the killing of about [itex]\sigma_m(n)[/itex] people, where m is the smallest odd prime and n is the smallest number for which [itex]\sigma(n)[/itex] and [itex]\varphi(n)[/itex] are squares...but then again, that's not a fact.
 
Don't you mean numbers theories? :wink:
 
Hated it. I thought it was one of the worst math classes I ever took.
 
I like Number Theory, but not the application of it.
 
Love it.
 
For those who voted no, state your reason.
 
  • #10
Because the HW and tests were stupid. It was basically here is the question, can you figure out the trick in order to get this question right? Once you figured out the "trick" the problem just fell apart. To me it didn't really seem like it took any step by step rationalization, it was just like the puzzle section in a Sunday newspaper.



BTW I took a grad class on number theory and passed it with an A (not trying to be pompous here), so I didn't hate number theory just because I wasn't good at it.
 
  • #11
Then you hate the course which was given, it doesn't mean that as a field you don't like it.

Solving (trying to solve) an unsolved problem in number theory is quite hard, although most of the problems are stated in such a way that even elementary school children can understand.
 
  • #12
gravenewworld said:
Because the HW and tests were stupid. It was basically here is the question, can you figure out the trick in order to get this question right? Once you figured out the "trick" the problem just fell apart. To me it didn't really seem like it took any step by step rationalization, it was just like the puzzle section in a Sunday newspaper.



BTW I took a grad class on number theory and passed it with an A (not trying to be pompous here), so I didn't hate number theory just because I wasn't good at it.


What was the course called? Was it even tricks in that grad class?
 
  • #13
love it...i actually haven't gone into the full details ( not taken the course yet...) but really love it..
 
  • #14
I'm lukewarm about number theory. On one hand I think it's a very rich field, on the other I find it to be one of the less ambitious and "childish" branch of math.
 
  • #15
Werg22 said:
...I find it to be one of the less ambitious and "childish" branch of math.
One former Professor Hardy would be turning in his ivory tower grave if he heard that.
 

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