Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4595264 Journal of Number Theory 2009 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

We take an approach toward counting the number of integers n for which the curve En: y2=x3−n2x has 2-Selmer groups of a given size. This question was also discussed in a pair of papers by Roger Heath-Brown. In contrast to earlier work, our analysis focuses on restricting the number of prime factors of n. Additionally, we discuss the connection between computing the size of these Selmer groups and verifying cases of the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture. The key ingredient for the asymptotic formulae is the “independence” of the Legendre symbol evaluated at the prime divisors of an integer with exactly k prime factors.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Mathematics Algebra and Number Theory