Product Description

There are numbers of all kinds: rational, real, complex, p-adic... The p-adic numbers are less well known than the others, but they play a fundamental role in number theory and in other parts of mathematics. This book is an elementary introduction to p-adic numbers.Most other books on the subject are written for more advanced students. This book can almost be viewed as an introduction to be read in preparation for reading these more advanced texts. Readers who want to have an idea and appreciation of the subject but do not need to become specialists will probably find what they need in this book, while other texts may be too technical.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #860755 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 302 pages

Review
From the reviews: "This is a well-written introduction to the world of p-adic numbers. The reader is led into the rich structure of the fields Qp and Cp in a beautiful balance between analytic and algebraic aspects. The overall conclusion is simple: an extraordinarily nice manner to introduce the uninitiated to the subject. Not only giving the background necessary to pursue the matter, but doing it in such a way that a healthy 'hands-on experience'is generated in the process." "Mededelingen van het wiskundig genootschap"
"It is perhaps the most suitable text for beginners, and I shall definitely recommend it to anyone who asks me what a p-adic number is." "The Mathematical Gazette"