Rings and Factorization

Book excerpt: This textbook is an introduction to the concept of factorization and its application to problems in algebra and number theory. With the minimum of prerequisites, the reader is introduced to the notion of rings, fields, prime elements and unique factorization. The author shows how concepts can be applied to a variety of examples such as factorizing polynomials, finding determinants of matrices and Fermat's 'two-squares theorem'. Based on an undergraduate course given at the University of Sheffield, Dr Sharpe has included numerous examples which demonstrate how frequently these ideas are useful in concrete, rather than abstract, settings. The book also contains many exercises of varying degrees of difficulty together with hints and solutions. Second and third year undergraduates will find this a readable and enjoyable account of a subject lying at the heart of much of mathematics.