Math 250: Number Theory (Spring 2025)

An introduction to the theory of rational integers; divisibility, the unique factorization theorem; congruences, quadratic residues. Selections from the following topics: cryptology; Diophantine equations; asymptotic prime number estimates; continued fractions; algebraic integers.

Help hours

  • My office hours in SMUD 401:
    • Tuesday 9:15-10:45
    • Wednesday 2:30-4:00
    • Friday 1:30-2:30

Handouts

  • Boardwork notes from when I teach from a tablet.
  • Zoom link for any online office hours, classes, etc.

Homework

Exams

  • Midterm 1: Friday 2/28, in class.
  • Midterm 2: Friday 4/11, in class.
    • Remember to make a one-page note-sheet (front and back)!
    • The exam will cover all material in class from Monday 2/24 to Friday 4/4, and problem sets 5 through 9.
  • Final Exam: Tuesday 5/13, 9am-noon in SCCE C101.
    • Remember to make a one-page note-sheet (front and back)!
    • The final exam will be cumulative, but will place larger emphasis on topics covered after the second midterm.