Introduction to number theory
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Learn the fundamentals of number theory in this free course. Discover Euclid’s algorithm, modular arithmetic, and multiplicative inverses. Gain the skills to solve linear congruences and apply them in cryptography. Quotients, remainders, congruences, and more covered. Start your number theory journey now!
This free course, Introduction to number theory, is a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of integers. Section 1 introduces Euclid’s algorithm, which is used to find the HCF of two integers, and the idea of congruences, mathematical statements used to compare remainders when two integers are each divided by another integer. Section 2 introduces modular arithmetic, in which the usual arithmetic operations are applied to congruences. Section 3 introduces multiplicative inverses, which provide a method for division in modular arithmetic, and their use in solving linear congruences which are used in cryptography for disguising information or ciphers. Please note: a Statement of Participation is not issued for this course.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
Find quotients and remainders from integer division
Apply Euclid’s algorithm and backwards substitution
Understand the definitions of congruences, residue classes and least residues
Add and subtract integers, modulo n, multiply integers and calculate powers, modulo n
Determine multiplicative inverses, modulo n and use to solve linear congruences.
