3 ms·

This is quite advanced. At least graduate math level. This is supposed to be a "elementary introduction to the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture". Ha.

• cperciva 11y ago
  This is quite advanced. At least graduate math level. Yes, I learned most of this when I took graduate mathematics courses. Soon thereafter I decided that I'd be better off studying computer science... This is supposed to be a "elementary introduction to the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture". Ha. I don't think the word "elementary" means what you think it means. In number theory, "elementary" means "not involving complex analysis"; it does not mean "straightforward".
  • jordigh 11y ago
    In this context, they are not shying away from using complex analysis. They really do mean "elementary" as in "not for number theory experts", but for a general mathematical audience.
    • cperciva 11y ago
      They mention complex analysis in passing, but I wouldn't say that they use it here.