| or over two thousand years, number theory has fascinated and inspired both Famateurs and mathematicians alike. A sound and fundamental body of knowledge, it has been developed by the untiring pursuits of mathematicians all over the world. Today, number theorists continue to develop some of the most sophisticated mathematical tools ever devised and advance the frontiers of knowledge.
Many number theorists, including the eminent nineteenth-century English number theorist Godfrey H. Hardy, once believed that number theory, although beautiful, had no practical relevance. However, the advent of modern technology has brought a new dimension to the power of number theory: constant practical use. Once considered the purest of pure mathematics, it is used increasingly in the rapid development of technology in a number of areas, such as art, coding theory, cryptology, and computer science. The various fascinating applications have confirmed that human ingenuity and creativity are boundless, although many years of hard work may be needed to produce more meaningful and delightful applications. |