Wadim Zudilin

There is no surprise that arithmetic properties of integral ('whole') numbers are controlled by analytic functions of complex variable. At the same time, the values of analytic functions themselves happen to be interesting numbers, for which we often seek explicit expressions in terms of other 'better known' numbers or try to prove that no such exist. This natural symbiosis of number theory and analysis is centuries old but keeps enjoying new results, ideas and methods.The present book takes a semi-systematic review of analytic achievements in number theory ranging from classical themes about primes, continued fractions, transcendence of p and resolution of Hilbert's seventh problem to some recent developments on the irrationality of the values of Riemann's zeta function, sizes of non-cyclotomic algebraic integers and applications of hypergeometric functions to integer congruences.Our principal goal is to present a variety of different analytic techniques that are used in number theory, at a reasonably accessible — almost popular — level, so that the materials from this book can suit for teaching a graduate course on the topic or for a self-study. Exercises included are of varying difficulty and of varying distribution within the book (some chapters get more than other); they not only help the reader to consolidate their understanding of the material but also suggest directions for further study and investigation. Furthermore, the end of each chapter features brief notes about relevant developments of the themes discussed.

The Mahler measure is a fascinating notion and an exciting topic in contemporary mathematics, interconnecting with subjects as diverse as number theory, analysis, arithmetic geometry, special functions and random walks. This friendly and concise introduction to the Mahler measure is a valuable resource for both graduate courses and self-study. It provides the reader with the necessary background material, before presenting the recent achievements and the remaining challenges in the field. The first part introduces the univariate Mahler measure and addresses Lehmer's question, and then discusses techniques of reducing multivariate measures to hypergeometric functions. The second part touches on the novelties of the subject, especially the relation with elliptic curves, modular forms and special values of L-functions. Finally, the Appendix presents the modern definition of motivic cohomology and regulator maps, as well as Deligne–Beilinson cohomology. The text includes many exercises to test comprehension and challenge readers of all abilities.

Despite their classical nature, continued fractions are a neverending research area, with a body of results accessible enough to suit a wide audience, from researchers to students and even amateur enthusiasts. Neverending Fractions brings these results together, offering fresh perspectives on a mature subject. Beginning with a standard introduction to continued fractions, the book covers a diverse range of topics, from elementary and metric properties, to quadratic irrationals, to more exotic topics such as folded continued fractions and Somos sequences. Along the way, the authors reveal some amazing applications of the theory to seemingly unrelated problems in number theory. Previously scattered throughout the literature, these applications are brought together in this volume for the first time. A wide variety of exercises guide readers through the material, which will be especially helpful to readers using the book for self-study, and the authors also provide many pointers to the literature.