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CB609-driver CB609/Alaca & Williams August 27, 2003 17:1 Char Count= 0
INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRAIC NUMBER THEORY
Algebraic number theory is a subject that came into being through the attempts of mathe-
maticians to try to prove Fermat’s last theorem and that now has a wealth of applications
to Diophantine equations, cryptography, factoring, primality testing, and public-key cryp-
tosystems.
This book provides an introduction to the subject suitable for senior under-
graduate and beginning graduate students in mathematics. The material is presented in
a straightforward, clear, and elementary fashion, and the approach is hands on, with an
putational flavor. Prerequisites are kept to a minimum, and numerous examples
illustrating the material occur throughout the text. References to suggested readings and to
the biographies of mathematicians who have contributed to the development of algebraic
number theory are given at the end of each chapter. There are more than 320 exercises, an
extensive index, and helpful location guides to theorems and lemmas in the text.
S¸aban Alaca is Lecturer in Mathematics at Carleton University, where he has been honored by three
teaching awards: Faculty of Science Teaching Award, Professional Achievement Award, and Students
Choice Award. His main research interest is in algebraic number theory.
h S. Williams is Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Research Professor of Mathematics at
Carleton University. Dr. Williams has published more than 240 research papers in number theory,
linear algebra, algebra, and analysis. This is his seventh book.
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CB609-driver CB609/Alaca & Williams August 27, 2003 17:1 Char Count= 0
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CB609-driver CB609/Alaca & Williams August 27, 2003 17:1 Char Count= 0
INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRAIC NUMBER
THEORY
S¸ ABAN ALACA
Carleton University, Ottawa
H S. WILLIAMS
Ca