The Higher Arithmetic An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

Classic text in number theory; this eighth edition contains new material on primality testing written by J. H. Davenport.

The theory of numbers is generally considered to be the 'purest' branch of pure mathematics and demands exactness of thought and exposition from its devotees. It is also one of the most highly active and engaging areas of mathematics. Now into its eighth edition The Higher Arithmetic introduces the concepts and theorems of number theory in a way that does not require the reader to have an in-depth knowledge of the theory of numbers but also touches upon matters of deep mathematical significance. Since earlier editions, additional material written by J. H. Davenport has been added, on topics such as Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, computers and number theory, and primality testing. Written to be accessible to the general reader, with only high school mathematics as prerequisite, this classic book is also ideal for undergraduate courses on number theory, and covers all the necessary material clearly and succinctly.

Introduction; 1. Factorization and the primes; 2. Congruences; 3. Quadratic residues; 4. Continued fractions; 5. Sums of squares; 6. Quadratic forms; 7. Some Diophantine equations; 8. Computers and number theory; Exercises; Hints; Answers; Bibliography; Index; Additional notes.

Now into its 8th edition and with additional material on primality testing written by J. H. Davenport, The Higher Arithmetic introduces concepts and theorems in a way that does not assume an in-depth knowledge of the theory of numbers but touches upon matters of deep mathematical significance.

Harold Davenport F.R.S. was the late Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Trinity College.