Number Theory: A Very Short Introduction

Number theory is the branch of mathematics primarily concerned with the counting numbers, especially primes. It dates back to the ancient Greeks, but today it has great practical importance in cryptography, from credit card security to national defence. This book introduces the main areas of number theory, and some of its most interesting problems.

Introduces the main areas of classical number theory, both ancient and modern

Draws on much historical material to present the content firmly within a historical context

Highlights a range of applications, from the practical (cryptography) to the recreational (puzzles)

Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over ten million copies sold worldwide