Number Theory and Its Significance in Cryptography - E-book - ePub

An Overview of Number Theory: The Mystery of Integers RevealedA subfield of mathematics known as "number theory" investigates the basic features and connections between integers. Number theory is both approachable and fascinating because of its intrinsic simplicity and elegance, in contrast to more abstract or esoteric areas of mathematics. Its origins are in long-lost civilisations, but it has developed into a dynamic area with strong ties to other branches of mathematics and practical uses since its inception.
A Look Back in Time. Number theory predates mathematics by a long shot. Numbers and their qualities were already a source of consternation for ancient mathematicians, especially in Mesopotamia and Egypt. But ancient Greek mathematicians like Euclid founded the field and made the first substantial contributions to number theory. In his "Elements, " which he wrote about 300 BCE, Euclid gives a thorough introduction to number theory.
In it, he discusses prime numbers, divisibility, and the algorithm that most commonly divides two numbers.