Prime Numbers, Friends Who Give Problems: A Trialogue with Papa Paulo

322 Pages·2016·6.833 MB·English

by  Paulo Ribenboim

b2530 International Strategic Relations and China’s National Security: World at the Crossroads
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Published by
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224
USA office: 27 Warren Street, Suite 401-402, Hackensack, NJ 07601
UK office: 57 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9HE
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Ribenboim, Paulo.
Title: Prime numbers, friends who give problems : a trialogue with Papa Paulo /
by Paulo Ribenboim (Queen’s University, Canada).
Description: New Jersey : World Scientific, 2016. | Includes indexes.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016020705| ISBN 9789814725804 (hardcover : alk. paper) |
ISBN 9789814725811 (softcover : alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: Numbers, Prime.
Classification: LCC QA246 .R474 2016 | DDC 512.7/23--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016020705
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Copyright © 2017 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval
system now known or to be invented, without written permission from the publisher.
For photocopying of material in this volume, please pay a copying fee through the Copyright Clearance
Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. In this case permission to photocopy
is not required from the publisher.
Typeset by Stallion Press
Email: [email protected]
Printed in Singapore
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Qu’on ne me dise pas que je n’ai rien dit de nouveau; la disposition
desmati`eres estnouvelle. Quandonjouea`lapaume, c’estunemˆeme
balle dont joue l’un et l’autre, mais l’un la place mieux.
Blaise Pascal

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b2530 International Strategic Relations and China’s National Security: World at the Crossroads
TTTThhhhiiiissss ppppaaaaggggeeee iiiinnnntttteeeennnnttttiiiioooonnnnaaaallllllllyyyy lllleeeefffftttt bbbbllllaaaannnnkkkk

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Preface
Mathematicians are sometimes intelligent, but never magicians.
Their ways of thinking are natural and intuitive, contorted or
opaque as they may seem. Ideas, even when simple in essence, may
have to be dressed up, supported by calculations and expressed in
a jargon which repulses the layman. The challenge of explaining
the theories and discoveries is difficult to surmount. As a result, so
many are deprived of the music of mathematics.
Whatyouwillreadrevolves aroundprimenumbers.Hardlyany
kindofnumbersismoreattractiveormysterious.Notmuchofwhat
follows will be supported by rigorous proof. But everything will be
made credible, even irrefutable.
You opened this book. You think that you are smart enough to
understandallthediscussionsreportedhere.Youmaybesurprised.
This book shouldnot beread by specialists, whodiscover much
and explain little.

This book is not for anyone lacking in intelligence. You, who
are smart enough and even more, curious, must be warned: This is
not a novel; what you read here should generate much reflection.
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More than the facts described, the ways mathematicians think
should captivate you.
To read and to reflect: You must.
To consult other books: You will (feel the urge).
To reach a supreme intellectual enjoyment: I hope.
P.R.
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Acknowledgments?
Do I have to thank Eric and Paulo? My brain sweats in replying to
their incessant and inquisitive questions, prompted by a thirst for
knowledge. A thirst for a guaran´a would be easier to satisfy.
Do I have to thank Eric and Paulo who convinced me to write
this book?
Yes, but only if my readers will feel gratified, which remains to
be seen.
Acknowledgments!
Once the crime was perpetrated, it was examined by my virtual
friendRenyMontandon. Chosenbecauseheallies thebestof Brazil
and Switzerland, rigor and friendliness, in whatever order. Thanks!

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