Diophantine equations over function fields / R.C. Mason.

Diophantine equations over number fields have formed one of the most important and fruitful areas of mathematics throughout civilisation. In recent years increasing interest has been aroused in the analogous area of equations over function fields. However, although considerable progress has been mad...

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Bibliographic Details
Online Access: Full Text (via Cambridge)
Main Author: Mason, R. C.
Format: Electronic eBook
Language:English
Published: Cambridge [Cambridgeshire] ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1984.
Series:London Mathematical Society lecture note series ; 96.
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Summary:Diophantine equations over number fields have formed one of the most important and fruitful areas of mathematics throughout civilisation. In recent years increasing interest has been aroused in the analogous area of equations over function fields. However, although considerable progress has been made by previous authors, none has attempted the central problem of providing methods for the actual solution of such equations. The latter is the purpose and achievement of this volume: algorithms are provided for the complete resolution of various families of equations, such as those of Thue, hyperelliptic and genus one type. The results are achieved by means of an original fundamental inequality, first announced by the author in 1982. Several specific examples are included as illustrations of the general method and as a testimony to its efficiency. Furthermore, bounds are obtained on the solutions which improve on those obtained previously by other means. Extending the equality to a different setting, namely that of positive characteristic, enables the various families of equations to be resolved in that circumstance. Finally, by applying the inequality in a different manner, simple bounds are determined on their solutions in rational functions of the general superelliptic equation. This book represents a self-contained account of a new approach to the subject, and one which plainly has not reached the full extent of its application. It also provides a more direct on the problems than any previous book. Little expert knowledge is required to follow the theory presented, and it will appeal to professional mathematicians, research students and the enthusiastic undergraduate.
Item Description:Based, in part, on the author's Ph. D. thesis--University of Cambridge, 1983.
Physical Description:1 online resource (x, 125 pages)
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 124-125).
ISBN:9781107087248
1107087244
9780511752490
0511752490
1299706819
9781299706811
ISSN:0076-0552 ;
DOI:10.1017/CBO9780511752490