MATH 313
Introduction to Number Theory Spring 2025
Division III Writing Skills Quantitative/Formal Reasoning

The study of numbers dates back thousands of years, and is fundamental in mathematics. In this course, we will investigate both classical and modern questions about numbers. In particular, we will explore the integers, and examine issues involving primes, divisibility, and congruences. We will also look at the ideas of number and prime in more general settings, and consider fascinating questions that are simple to understand, but can be quite difficult to answer. This course will include a significant focus on mathematical proof writing and problem solving skills. This includes writing clear and rigorous mathematical proofs, clearly explaining mathematical ideas verbally and in writing, determining how to approach certain types of problems, looking for patterns and making conjectures, and asking good questions about the implications of certain ideas and theorems.