MATH 4430 Introduction to Number Theory
Topics include divisibility, unique factorization, congruences, number-theoretic functions, primitive roots, diophantine equations, continued fractions, quadratic residues and the distribution of primes. Historical background for various problems and examples useful in the secondary school curriculum will be presented.
Course overview
- Department
- Mathematics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- MATH2216
Requirements fulfilled
- Mathematics B.A.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: 4000-level Mathematics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Computer Science B.S.: Upper-level mathematics option (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.90 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.02 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Avner Ash | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 21 of 26 |
| Spring 2025 | Avner Ash | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4–6 hrs/week | 26 of 32 |
| Spring 2024 | Dubi Kelmer | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 20 of 27 |
| Spring 2023 | Ioannis Zachos | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 29 of 34 |
| Spring 2022 | Dubi Kelmer | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 7–9 hrs/week | 20 of 32 |