JOSEPH H. SILVERMAN

Prefacio.I. Un nuevo romancerillo de Yacob A. Yoná: Pizmônîn debêrit mîlâh [Salónica, 1895-6].I.1. La esposa de don García [á-a + á-e].I.2. La adúltera [á-a].I.3. el sueño de doña Alda [á-e]+ Melisen

The theory of elliptic curves is distinguished by its long history and by the diversity of the methods that have been used in its study. This book treats the arithmetic theory of elliptic curves in its modern formulation, through the use of basic algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry. The book begins with a brief discussion of the necessary algebro-geometric results, and proceeds with an exposition of the geometry of elliptic curves, the formal group of an elliptic curve, elliptic curves over finite fields, the complex numbers, local fields, and global fields. The last two chapters deal with integral and rational points, including Siegel''s theorem and explicit computations for the curve Y^2 = X^3 + DX. The book contains three appendices: Elliptic Curves in Characteristics 2 and 3, Group Cohomology, and a third appendix giving an overview of more advanced topics.

The theory of elliptic curves is distinguished by its long history and by the diversity of the methods that have been used in its study. This book treats the arithmetic theory of elliptic curves in its modern formulation, through the use of basic algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry. The book begins with a brief discussion of the necessary algebro-geometric results, and proceeds with an exposition of the geometry of elliptic curves, the formal group of an elliptic curve, elliptic curves over finite fields, the complex numbers, local fields, and global fields. The last two chapters deal with integral and rational points, including Siegels theorem and explicit computations for the curve Y^2 = X^3 + DX.

The theory of elliptic curves involves a pleasing blend of algebra, geometry, analysis, and number theory. This volume stresses this interplay as it develops the basic theory, thereby providing an opportunity for advanced undergraduates to appreciate the unity of modern mathematics. At the same time, every effort has been made to use only methods and results commonly included in the undergraduate curriculum. This accessibility, the informal writing style, and a wealth of exercises make Rational Points on Elliptic Curves an ideal introduction for students at all levels who are interested in learning about Diophantine equations and arithmetic geometry.Most concretely, an elliptic curve is the set of zeroes of a cubic polynomial in two variables. If the polynomial has rational coefficients, then one can ask for a description of those zeroes whose coordinates are either integers or rational numbers. It is this number theoretic question that is the main subject of Rational Points on Elliptic Curves. Topics covered include the geometry and group structure of elliptic curves, the NagellLutz theorem describing points of finite order, the MordellWeil theorem on the finite generation of the group of rational points, the ThueSiegel theorem on the finiteness of the set of integer points, theorems on counting points with coordinates in finite fields, Lenstras elliptic curve factorization algorithm, and a discussion of complex multiplication and the Galois representations associated to torsion points. Additional topics new to the second edition include an introduction to elliptic curve cryptography and a brief discussion of the stunning proof of Fermats Last Theorem by Wiles et al. via the use of elliptic curves.