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Full-Text Articles in Number Theory

Arithmetic Theorems, Demonstrated By A New Method: An English Translation Of E271, Brendon Lasell Sep 2026

Arithmetic Theorems, Demonstrated By A New Method: An English Translation Of E271, Brendon Lasell

Euleriana

After defending in general terms the value of arithmetic demonstrations, where, according to Euler, the force of genius shines more brightly than in any other kind of demonstration, he goes on to let the force of his own genius shine forth in demonstrating the fact that, for any pair of relatively prime numbers a and N, aϕ(N) − 1 is always divisible by N, where we anachronistically denote by ϕ(N) the number of numbers less than N that are relatively prime to it. He approaches this theorem by considering the remainders that result when the numbers in an arithmetic …


The Modern History Of The Basel Problem, John Campbell, Paul Levrie Mar 2026

The Modern History Of The Basel Problem, John Campbell, Paul Levrie

Euleriana

The \emph{Basel problem} refers to the problem of determining a closed form for the infinite series $\frac{1}{1^2} + \frac{1}{2^2} + \cdots$. If we consider what mathematical results have the most peer-reviewed papers devoted to new ways of proving such results, Euler's formula $\frac{1}{1^2} + \frac{1}{2^2} + \cdots = \frac{\pi^2}{6}$ is certainly among the top of such results. This motivates our historical study of peer-reviewed papers based on proofs of Euler's formula, and we introduce what appears to be the most comprehensive and up-to-date and exhaustive catalogue of peer-reviewed, published papers in the 20th and 21st centuries devoted to or mainly …


Euler Archive Spotlight, Erik R. Tou Mar 2023

Euler Archive Spotlight, Erik R. Tou

Euleriana

A survey of two translations posted to the Euler Archive in 2022.


A History And Translation Of Lagrange's "Sur Quelques Problèmes De L'Analyse De Diophante'', Christopher Goff, Michael Saclolo Feb 2021

A History And Translation Of Lagrange's "Sur Quelques Problèmes De L'Analyse De Diophante'', Christopher Goff, Michael Saclolo

Euleriana

Among Lagrange's many achievements in number theory is a solution to the problem posed and solved by Fermat of finding a right triangle whose legs sum to a perfect square and whose hypotenuse is also a square. This article chronicles various appearances of the problem, including multiple solutions by Euler, all of which inadequately address completeness and minimality of solutions. Finally, we summarize and translate Lagrange's paper in which he solves the problem completely, thus successfully proving the minimality of Fermat's original solution.