Number Theory began as a play area for a few mathematicians that were fascinated by the curious properties of numbers. Today, it has numerous applications from pencil and paper algorithms, to the solving of puzzles, to the design of computer software, to cryptanalysis (a science of code breaking).
Number Theory uses the familiar operations of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), but more as the starting point of intriguing investigations than as topics of primary interest. Number Theory is more involved in finding relations, patterns, and the structure of numbers.
This course will cover topics such as the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, Euclid's Algorithm, Pascal's Triangle, Fermat's Last Theorem, and Pythagorean Triples. We finish the course with a linkage of Number Theory to Cryptography.
This course is open to any student having basic algebra or higher mathematics who is challenged by puzzles and mathematics problems.
*This course may be appropriate for Gifted and Talented middle school students that meet all course prerequisites.*
**Please Note: This course may not be appropriate for students with specific accessibility limitations as written. Please refer to the VHS Learning Handbook policy on Special Education/Equity for more information on possible modifications. If you need additional assistance, please let us know at service.goVHS.org.