Which Book Should I Start With for Learning Number Theory?

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    Number theory Theory
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on number theory, with participants sharing their experiences and preferences regarding various texts. The scope includes both theoretical and computational aspects of number theory, as well as considerations for learning styles and background knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in number theory and seeks book recommendations.
  • Another participant mentions Tom M. Apostol's "Introduction to Analytic Number Theory" as readable and accessible to sophisticated high school students.
  • Several titles are suggested, including "Prime Numbers - A Computational Perspective" by Richard Crandall and Carl Pomerance, and "Algorithmic Number Theory" by Bach and Shalit.
  • A participant with a programming background suggests "Yan: Number Theory for Computing" as a suitable option.
  • "Classical Introduction to Modern Number Theory" by Ireland and Rosen is also recommended.
  • One participant inquires about books that include exercises with answers or solution manuals, emphasizing the importance of practice problems for their learning process.
  • Another participant shares their experience with "Number Theory: A Lively Introduction" by Pommersheim, Marks, and Flapan, noting its clarity but questioning its rigor for more advanced learners.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of answer keys in some recommended books, with one participant mentioning typos in "Tattersall's Elementary Number Theory in Nine Chapters."
  • Lastly, "Fermat's Enigma" by Simon Singh is mentioned as an engaging read that provides historical context, though it is noted that it does not teach much mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various recommendations and experiences, but there is no consensus on a single best book. Different preferences and learning styles are acknowledged, indicating a range of opinions on what constitutes a suitable introductory text.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of exercises and solutions in learning, while others focus on the clarity and rigor of explanations. The discussion reflects varying levels of mathematical sophistication and background knowledge among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in starting their study of number theory, particularly those with a background in programming or looking for books with exercises and solutions.

Genericcoder
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Hi guys I am really interested in number theory and I want to start studying it,because I am interested in logic of numbers.

Do you recommend any book to start with ?
 
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I bought Tom M. Apostol's book Introduction to Analytic Number Theory. So far it seems pretty readable. He even says that its accessible to sophisticated high school students. So make of that what you will!
 
Richard Crandall Carl Pomerance, Prime Numbers - A Computational Perspective.pdf
 
Bach, Shalit: Algorithmic Number Theory
 
Thanks a lot guys sorry for late reply just noticed the message.

I have 3 years of computer programming background,so hopefully I will get by these book with ease.
 
Genericcoder said:
I have 3 years of computer programming background,so hopefully ...

then perhaps you will not miss: 'Yan: Number Theory for Computig'
 
Classical Introduction to Modern Number Theory, Ireland and Rosen.
 
RamaWolf said:
then perhaps you will not miss: 'Yan: Number Theory for Computig'

Cool I will I am going to start with these books and then move on to more advanced books :).
 
This is not exactly a reply... But since I am also looking for a good book on Number Theory, I decided to post my question here. I hope you don't mind.

Do any of the books above contain exercise problems with answers/solutions?

I find that solving sample problems is the best way for me to learn. So I am looking for a book with good amount of exercises with answers/solutions at the back or with a solution manual available to purchase. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
  • #10
When I took number theory in the fall we used Number Theory: A Lively Introduction, by Pommersheim, Marks, and Flapan. It's good in that its explanations are clear and simple and if you haven't written proofs before it provides a good introduction, but I suspect it is too simplistic for your purposes. It's a fun book and the math content is serious, but it's not the most rigorous book you could get. I'm also familiar with Tattersall's Elementary Number Theory in Nine Chapters, which is for more sophisticated students. My professor says it's a good introduction, but I found it to be riddled with typos. It does have some rather subtle proofs in the exercises, so it's interesting in that respect.

The disadvantage of both these books is that neither has answers in the back. I haven't looked for a solution manual, so I don't know about that.
 
  • #11
It doesn't really teach you a lot of mathematics, but Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh. It is really engaging and helps to explain the history of some of the more famous topics in number theory.
 

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