Topics in the Theory of Numbers (Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics)

Number theory, the branch of mathematics which studies the properties of the integers, is a repository of interesting and quite varied problems, sometimes impossibly difficult ones. The authors have gathered together a collection of problems from various topics in number theory that they find beautiful, intriguing, and from a certain point of view instructive. In addition to revealing the beauty of the problems themselves, they have tried to give glimpses into deeper, related mathematics. The book presents problems whose solutions can be obtained using elementary methods. No prior knowledge of number theory is assumed.

This rather unique book is a guided tour through number theory. While most introductions to number theory provide a systematic and exhaustive treatment of the subject, the authors have chosen instead to illustrate the many varied subjects by associating recent discoveries, interesting methods, and unsolved problems. In particular, we read about combinatorial problems in number theory, a branch of mathematics co-founded and popularized by Paul Erdös. Janos Suranyis vast teaching experience successfully complements Paul Erdös'ability to initiate new directions of research by suggesting new problems and approaches. This book will surely arouse the interest of the student and the teacher alike.
Until his death in 1996, Professor Paul Erdös was one of the most prolific mathematicians ever, publishing close to 1,500 papers. While his papers contributed to almost every area of mathematics, his main research interest was in the area of combinatorics, graph theory, and number theory. He is most famous for proposing problems to the mathematical community which were exquisitely simple to understand yet difficult to solve. He was awarded numerous prestigious prizes including the Frank Nelson Cole prize of the AMS.
Professor Janos Suranyi is a leading personality in Hungary, not just within the mathematical community, but also in the planning and conducting of different educational projects which have led to a new secondary school curriculum. His activity has been recognized by, amongst others, the Middle Cross of the Hungarian Decoration and the Erdös Award of the World Federation of National Mathematical Competitions.