Algebraic Number Theory and Fermat's Last Theorem

Updated to reflect current research, Algebraic Number Theory and Fermat’s Last Theorem, Fourth Edition introduces fundamental ideas of algebraic numbers and explores one of the most intriguing stories in the history of mathematics—the quest for a proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem. The authors use this celebrated theorem to motivate a general study of the theory of algebraic numbers from a relatively concrete point of view. Students will see how Wiles’s proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem opened many new areas for future work.

New to the Fourth Edition

• Provides up-to-date information on unique prime factorization for real quadratic number fields, especially Harper’s proof that Z(√14) is Euclidean
• Presents an important new result: Mihăilescu’s proof of the Catalan conjecture of 1844
• Revises and expands one chapter into two, covering classical ideas about modular functions and highlighting the new ideas of Frey, Wiles, and others that led to the long-sought proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem
• Improves and updates the index, figures, bibliography, further reading list, and historical remarks

Written by preeminent mathematicians Ian Stewart and David Tall, this text continues to teach students how to extend properties of natural numbers to more general number structures, including algebraic number fields and their rings of algebraic integers. It also explains how basic notions from the theory of algebraic numbers can be used to solve problems in number theory.

“Praise for Previous Editions "The book remains, as before, an extremely attractive introduction to algebraic number theory from the ideal-theoretic perspective." --Andrew Bremner, Mathematical Reviews, February 2003”

"It is the discussion of [Fermat’s Last Theorem], I think, that sets this book apart from others — there are a number of other texts that introduce algebraic number theory, but I don’t know of any others that combine that material with the kind of detailed exposition of FLT that is found here...To summarize and conclude: this is an interesting and attractive book. It would make an attractive text for an early graduate course on algebraic number theory, as well as a nice source of information for people interested in FLT, and especially its connections with algebraic numbers."
—Dr. Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews, June 2016

Praise for Previous Editions"The book remains, as before, an extremely attractive introduction to algebraic number theory from the ideal-theoretic perspective."
—Andrew Bremner, Mathematical Reviews, February 2003

"It is the discussion of [Fermat’s Last Theorem], I think, that sets this book apart from others — there are a number of other texts that introduce algebraic number theory, but I don’t know of any others that combine that material with the kind of detailed exposition of FLT that is found here...To summarize and conclude: this is an interesting and attractive book. It would make an attractive text for an early graduate course on algebraic number theory, as well as a nice source of information for people interested in FLT, and especially its connections with algebraic numbers."
—Dr. Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews, June 2016

Praise for Previous Editions"The book remains, as before, an extremely attractive introduction to algebraic number theory from the ideal-theoretic perspective."
—Andrew Bremner, Mathematical Reviews, February 2003

Ian Stewart is an emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Warwick and a fellow of the Royal Society. Dr. Stewart has been a recipient of many honors, including the Royal Society’s Faraday Medal, the IMA Gold Medal, the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award, and the LMS/IMA Zeeman Medal. He has published more than 180 scientific papers and numerous books, including several bestsellers co-authored with Terry Pratchett and Jack Cohen that combine fantasy with nonfiction.

David Tall is an emeritus professor of mathematical thinking at the University of Warwick. Dr. Tall has published numerous mathematics textbooks and more than 200 papers on mathematics and mathematics education. His research interests include cognitive theory, algebra, visualization, mathematical thinking, and mathematics education.

First published in 1979 and written by two distinguished mathematicians with a special gift for exposition, this book is now available in a fourth edition. It reflects the exciting developments in number theory during the past decades that culminated in the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. An historical introduction and new material on the Catalan conjecture will be included. Intended as an upper level textbook, it is also eminently suited as a text for self-study.

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