Abstract
The representation of integers in binary quadratic forms has been a penchant for mathematicians throughout history including the well known Pierre de Fermat and Charles Hermite. The area has grown from simple representations as the sum of squares to representations of the form x²-Dy² where D>1 and square-free. Based on congruence relations we will provide a classification criterion for the integers that can be represented in the form x²-Dy² for various values of D (specifically D=10 and 11). We will also discuss methods for constructing such representations using the theory of continued fractions, quadratic reciprocity and solutions to Pell's equations.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Forms, Quadratic
Publication Date
5-4-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Department, Program, or Center
School of Mathematical Sciences (COS)
Advisor
Agarwal, Anurag
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Christopher, "On Representations of integers by the quadratic form x2 − Dy2" (2012). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/4803
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
Comments
Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QA243 .T46 2012