What books or materials are needed to understand primitive roots?

In summary, to understand primitive roots, one should study number theory textbooks that cover modular arithmetic, group theory, and primitive elements. Recommended materials include "Elementary Number Theory" by David M. Burton, "A Classical Introduction to Modern Number Theory" by Kenneth Ireland and Michael Rosen, and online resources such as lecture notes and educational websites focused on algebra and number theory. Additionally, practicing problems related to primitive roots can enhance comprehension.
  • #1
mathstudent1
18
0
do you know any books, videos, or notes that can help me to understand these topics:
1-primitive roots for primes
2-the existence of primitive roots
I am using right now elementary number theory and its application by Kenneth H. Rosen to understand these topics, do you know another source that can help me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
mathstudent1 said:
do you know any books, videos, or notes that can help me to understand these topics:
1-primitive roots for primes
2-the existence of primitive roots
I am using right now elementary number theory and its application by Kenneth H. Rosen to understand these topics, do you know another source that can help me?
This one is quite good. Why do you need another one? In any case most introductory number theory or algebra books would have that. Look through some to find one that has style that suits you.
 

FAQ: What books or materials are needed to understand primitive roots?

What are the foundational topics needed to understand primitive roots?

To understand primitive roots, you should have a solid grasp of number theory, particularly modular arithmetic, Euler's theorem, and the concept of orders of elements in a group. A basic understanding of abstract algebra, particularly group theory, is also beneficial.

Which textbooks are recommended for learning about primitive roots?

Some recommended textbooks include "An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers" by G.H. Hardy and E.M. Wright, "Elementary Number Theory" by David M. Burton, and "A Classical Introduction to Modern Number Theory" by Kenneth Ireland and Michael Rosen. These books cover the necessary number theory concepts in depth.

Are there any online resources or courses for studying primitive roots?

Yes, there are several online resources and courses available. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer courses in number theory that include topics on primitive roots. Additionally, online lecture notes and tutorials from university websites can be very helpful.

What prerequisites in mathematics should I have before studying primitive roots?

You should be comfortable with basic algebra and have some familiarity with elementary number theory. Topics such as greatest common divisors, prime numbers, and congruences are essential. A background in abstract algebra, specifically group theory, will also be very useful.

Are there any practice problems or exercises available for mastering primitive roots?

Yes, many textbooks on number theory include exercises on primitive roots. Additionally, websites like Project Euler, Brilliant.org, and various university course pages offer practice problems. Working through these problems can help solidify your understanding of the concepts.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top