The Algebraic Theory Of Quadratic Forms

The Algebraic Theory of Quadratic Forms

Bilinear Algebra

Giving an easily accessible elementary introduction to the algebraic theory of quadratic forms, this book covers both Witt's theory and Pfister's theory of quadratic forms. Leading topics include the geometry of bilinear spaces, classification of bilinear spaces up to isometry depending on the ground field, formally real fields, Pfister forms, the Witt ring of an arbitrary field (characteristic two included), prime ideals of the Witt ring, Brauer group of a field, Hasse and Witt invariants of quadratic forms, and equivalence of fields with respect to quadratic forms. Problem sections are included at the end of each chapter. There are two appendices: the first gives a treatment of Hasse and Witt invariants in the language of Steinberg symbols, and the second contains some more advanced problems in 10 groups, including the u-invariant, reduced and stable Witt rings, and Witt equivalence of fields.

The Algebraic and Geometric Theory of Quadratic Forms

This book is a comprehensive study of the algebraic theory of quadratic forms, from classical theory to recent developments, including results and proofs that have never been published. The book is written from the viewpoint of algebraic geometry and includes the theory of quadratic forms over fields of characteristic two, with proofs that are characteristic independent whenever possible. For some results both classical and geometric proofs are given. Part I includes classical algebraic theory of quadratic and bilinear forms and answers many questions that have been raised in the early stages of the development of the theory. Assuming only a basic course in algebraic geometry, Part II presents the necessary additional topics from algebraic geometry including the theory of Chow groups, Chow motives, and Steenrod operations. These topics are used in Part III to develop a modern geometric theory of quadratic forms.