Number Theory
Number theory, also known as 'higher arithmetic', is one of the oldest branches of mathematics and is used to study the properties of positive integers. It helps to study the relationship between different types of numbers such as prime numbers, rational numbers, and algebraic integers.
In the mid-20s, the number theory was considered as one of the purest forms of mathematics until digital computers proved that this theory can provide answers to real-world problems.
| 1. | Definition of Number Theory |
| 2. | Number Theory Sub-classification |
| 3. | Number Theory Uses |
| 4. | FAQs on Number Theory |
Definition of Number Theory
The definition of number theory states that it is a branch of pure mathematics devoted to the study of natural numbers and integers. It is the study of the set of positive whole numbers usually called the set of natural numbers. This theory is experimental and theoretical. While the experimental number theory leads to questions and suggests different ways to answer them, the theoretical number theory tries to provide a definite answer by solving it. Theoretically, numbers are classified into different types, such as natural numbers, whole numbers, complex numbers, and so on. Observe the following figure which shows the relationship between whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers.
Number Theory Sub-classification
The numbers which are used in our day-to-day life can be classified into different categories. Here is a list that shows the subclassification of numbers:
Odd Numbers
Odd numbers are those that are not divisible by the number 2. Numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and so on are considered as odd numbers. On the number line, 1 is considered as the first positive odd number.
Even Numbers
Even numbers are integers that are divisible by the number 2. For example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and so on are even numbers.
Square Numbers
Numbers that are multiplied by themselves are called square numbers or perfect square numbers. For example, in 3 × 3 = 9, 9 is a square number. Similarly, 1, 4, 9, 16, and so on are square numbers.
Cube Numbers
Numbers that are multiplied by themselves 3 times are called cube numbers. For example, 27 is a cube number because 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. Similarly, 1, 8, 64 are cube numbers.
Prime Numbers
Prime numbers are numbers that have only 2 factors, 1 and the number itself. For example, 3 is a prime number because it has only two factors, 1 and 3. In the same way, 2, 5, 7, 11 are prime numbers.
Composite Numbers
Unlike prime numbers that have only 2 factors, composite numbers are those that have more than 2 factors. In other words, composite numbers can be divisible by more than two numbers. For example, 6 is a composite number because it has more than two factors, that is, it is divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Fibonacci Numbers
A series of numbers where a number is the addition of the last two numbers, starting with 0 and 1 is known as the Fibonacci sequence. The numbers in this series or sequence are known as Fibonacci numbers. For example, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, ..., is the Fibonacci sequence. Here, we can see that 1 + 1 = 2 , 1 + 2 = 3 , 2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 5 = 8 and so on.
Number Theory Uses
Number theory is used to find out if a given integer 'm' is divisible with the integer 'n' and this is used in many divisibility tests. This theory is not only used in Mathematics, but also applied in cryptography, device authentication, websites for e-commerce, coding, security systems, and many more.
Related Topics
FAQs on Number Theory
Who Invented the Number Theory?
Pierre de Fermat invented the modern number theory single-handedly, despite being a small-town amateur mathematician.
Why do we Study the Number Theory?
Number theory is necessary for the study of numbers because it shows what numbers can do. It helps in providing valuable training in logical thinking and studying the relationship between different kinds of numbers. It is applied in cryptography, device authentication, websites for e-commerce, coding, and security systems.
What is the Number Theory?
Number theory, also known as 'higher arithmetic', is one of the oldest branches of mathematics and is used to study the properties of positive integers.
What are the Numbers Used in the Number Theory?
The number theory involves the study of integers and their properties. The numbers involved in number theory are whole numbers, integers, and natural numbers.
What is Number Theory Explain Briefly?
A branch of pure mathematics that deals with the study of natural numbers and the integers is known as number theory. The study deals with the set of positive whole numbers that are usually called the set of natural numbers and is partly experimental and partly theoretical.
How Many Types of Number Theory are There?
The different types of modern number theory are classified into elementary, algebraic, analytic, geometric, and probabilistic number theories. These categories reflect the methods used to address problems concerning the integers.
Is Number Theory Easy?
Number theory is considered to be simple and easy in general as compared to other high-level math classes such as abstract algebra or real analysis. This concept is simple to understand and work with.