Number theory interest

[Epsilon]

I'm thinking of buying a number theory book for self-study. I was wondering.. what are the prerequisites in math subjects for successfully learning number theory? (besides arithmetic :) )

Also, any good book recommendations would help.

Thanks

[fafalone]

Typically number theory prerequisites are advanced geometry (Euclidean and non-Euclidean), calculus 2, vectors/matricies, and discrete math.

[Radical Edward]

do you know of any good books?

[fafalone]

I'd recomend An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers by Edward Maitland Wright, Godfrey H. Hardy
It's very comprehensive and widely considered one of the best books on number theory.

[Radical Edward]

thanks. I need to get myself out of the 'if it's not physics, it's not worth it' attitude. ^_^

[ElijahJones]

I've never seen GH Hardy text but I would imagine it is hard. A good starter text that does not require much beyond precalc is Elementary Number Theory 3rd Ed. David M. Burton

Hardy is famous for proofs in analytical number theory though, and was a mathematician of the highest caliber.