Using calculus to do number theory

(hidden-phenomena.com)

33 points | by cpp_frog 2 days ago

2 comments

  • joshuaissac 1 hour ago
    The mathematical field of tackling number theory problems in this way is called analytic number theory.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analytic_number_theory

    The prime number theorem, on how prime numbers are distributed amongst the integers, was first proved using analytic techniques.

    • arch1t3cht 26 minutes ago
      Analytic number theory exists and involves calculus, but it's not what the linked post is about. The article talks about Hensel's lemma, which is a purely algebraic statement with a purely algebraic proof, which, however, is inspired by techniques from calculus. This is typically still categorized as algebraic number theory.
  • adampunk 30 minutes ago
    It's delightful (and unsurprising) that Newton's method shows up as the main bridge.