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401-3119-70L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH

p-Adic Numbers

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Paloma Bengoechea Duro
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:41

Abstract

This course is an introduction to the p-adic numbers. We will see how the field of p-adic numbers Q_p is build. We will explore the (strange) topology and the arithmetic of Q_p, as well as some elementary analytic concepts such as functions, continuity, integrals, etc. We will explain an algebraic and an analytic reasons of interest for the existence of p-adic numbers.

Content

- Absolute values on Q and Completions - Topology and Arithmetic of Q_p, p-adic Integers - Equations over p-adic numbers and Hensel's Lemma - Local-global principle - Hasse-Minkowski's Theorem on binary quadratic forms - Elementary Analysis in Q_p - the p-adic Riemann zeta function

Resources

Literature

"p-adic Numbers. An Introduction", Fernando Q. Gouvea (Springer) "p-adic Numbers, p-adic Analysis, and Zeta-Functions", Neal Koblitz (Springer) "p-adic numbers and Diophantine equations", Yuri Bilu (online notes 2013)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None.
Examination is only offered in the Winter 2021 and Summer 2021 examination sessions.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture p-Adic Numbers
"Hybrid" Students attend classes alternately, a week in presence followed by a week online (except for the first week) according to the scheme described below. Group 1: family name starting with "A" to "M". Group 2: family name starting with "N" to "Z". 15.09. Group 1 and Group 2 both online; 22.09., 06.10., 20.10.: Group 1 in presence and Group 2 online; 29.09., 13.10., 27.10.: Group 2 in presence and Group 1 online. As of November 2020: Group 1 and Group 2 both online.
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (HG G 19.1)
  • 15.09 Date 14:15-16:00 (HG E 21)
2 h weekly

Offered In