About the Course

Elementary Number Theory

Register before December 17, 2024 to start on or before December 31, 2024. This course is not accepting enrollments starting after December 31, 2024.

In this course we’ll get to know the deep theory of integers, with special focus on the properties of prime numbers and integer or rational solutions to equations. You’ll cover topics aligned with Johns Hopkins University’s third-year Elementary Number Theory course as you focus on detailed exploration of topics such as divisibility, unique factorization, congruences, and proof techniques. Historical background for various problems will be provided throughout the course, and we’ll study prime numbers and quadratic residues with applications to cryptography. The course is based around student and instructor interaction, supplementary notes, and the provided eText. Graded assessments include homework, quizzes, discussion forums, a project, and cumulative exams that you can prepare for with your assigned instructor during one-on-one review sessions in addition to their learning support throughout the course.

Recommended length of enrollment: 3 months

Time Commitment: 4-5 hours of independent work per week.
 

Course Overview

This course is

graded.

Apply any time and get started in 2 weeks*

*Select courses have registration deadlines. Please see individual course descriptions for details.

Classes

Enrollment and tuition are time-based—students may enroll in a course by selecting an open class below. Students will progress at their own pace, with guidance from instructors who strive to meet individual needs. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

 

This course is not open for enrollment at this time.

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level Not required
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

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Course Prerequisites

Elementary Number Theory requires:

1 prerequisite

Successful completion Geometry and at least one semester of Algebra 2 or equivalent

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

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Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
 

You will need a parent or other adult to proctor exams.

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Most course lectures may be viewed on mobile devices, but some assignments and quizzes must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to fill PDFs in this course. Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.

This course uses Respondus LockDown Browser proctoring software for designated assessments. LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Visit the Respondus website for system requirements.

Terms & Conditions

Students may interact in online classrooms and meetings that include peers, instructors, and occasional special guests.

About Mathematics at CTY

Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through college-level curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, cryptology, and AP Calculus and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your honors and AP (and beyond) academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.

New math enrichment courses available!

Explore our new math enrichment courses, including Excursions in Pre-algebra and Introduction to Logic and Proofs.

Meet our Mathematics Instructors