Fermat's Last Theorem - A Genetic Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory

Edwards, Harold M.

ISBN 10: 0387902309 / ISBN 13: 9780387902302

Published by Springer-Verlag, New York, 1977

About this Item

Near-vg. 410pp + 2pp publisher's list. No dw. Yellow covers, black titles. Rubbed spine extremities and corners. Internally neat owner's label, trace of a staple to endpaper, contents vg with very occasional annotation. Weight 900g before packaging; overseas postage would require addition. (Mathematics, Number, Algebraic) Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # C16522

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fermat's Last Theorem - A Genetic Introduction to Algebraic Number Theory
• Publisher: Springer-Verlag, New York
• Publication Date: 1977
• ISBN 10: 0387902309
• ISBN 13: 9780387902302
• Binding: Hard Cover
• Edition: 2nd Printing.
• Condition: Very Good_
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • MATHEMATICS

About this title

Synopsis

This book is an introduction to algebraic number theory via the famous problem of "Fermat's Last Theorem." The exposition follows the historical development of the problem, beginning with the work of Fermat and ending with Kummer's theory of "ideal" factorization, by means of which the theorem is proved for all prime exponents less than 37. The more elementary topics, such as Euler's proof of the impossibilty of x+y=z, are treated in an elementary way, and new concepts and techniques are introduced only after having been motivated by specific problems. The book also covers in detail the application of Kummer's ideal theory to quadratic integers and relates this theory to Gauss' theory of binary quadratic forms, an interesting and important connection that is not explored in any other book.

From the Publisher

This book is a genetic introduciton to algebraic number theory which follows the development of the subject in the work of Fermat, Kummer and others, motivating new ideas and techniques by explaining the problems which led to their creation. The central problem is the one indicated in the title, but many other basic questions of algebraic number thoery are also treated.