Article
Article
Number theory
Article By:
Rosen, Kenneth H. Nokia Bell Laboratories, Holmdel, New Jersey.
Last reviewed:June 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.461600
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- Number theory, published January 2014:Download PDF
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The study of the properties and relationships between integers and other special types of numbers. There are many sets of positive integers of particular interest, such as the primes and the perfect numbers. Number theory, of ancient and continuing interest for its intrinsic beauty, also plays a crucial role in computer science, particularly in the area of cryptography. See also: Cryptography; Mathematics
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