Arvuteoorial

Arvuteooria, also known as number theory, is a branch of pure mathematics devoted primarily to the study of the integers and integer-valued functions. It is concerned with the properties of numbers, particularly whole numbers (positive, negative, and zero). Key areas within arvuteooria include the study of prime numbers, their distribution, and their properties. It also investigates divisibility, congruences, Diophantine equations (equations where only integer solutions are sought), and various number-theoretic functions such as the Euler totient function and the Möbius function.

The history of arvuteooria stretches back to ancient civilizations, with significant contributions from Greek mathematicians like Euclid and Diophantus. Later developments in the field were made by mathematicians such as Fermat, Euler, Gauss, and Riemann. Arvuteooria has applications in various fields, including cryptography, coding theory, and computer science. Despite its abstract nature, many of its problems have practical implications. For instance, the study of prime numbers is fundamental to modern encryption algorithms.