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Let p be an odd prime, and define f(x) as follows: f(x) as the sum from 1 to k of a_i times x raised to the power of (p to the power of (alpha_i+1)) in F_(p to the power of n)[x] where 0 is less than or equal to alpha_1 < alpha_2 < ... < alpha_k where alpha_k is equal to alpha. We consider the exponential sum S(f, n) equal to the sum_(x as x runs over the finite field with (p to the n elements) of zeta_(p to the power of Tr_n (f(x))), where zeta_p equals e to the power of (2i times pi divided by p) and Tr_n is the trace from the finite field with p to the n elements to the finite field with p elements.We provide necessary background from number theory and review the basic facts about quadratic forms over a finite field with p elements through both the multivariable and single variable approach. Our main objective is to compute S(f, n) explicitly. The sum S(f, n) is determined by two quantities: the nullity and the type of the quadratic form Tr_n (f(x)). We give an effective algorithm for the computation of the nullity. Tables of numerical values of the nullity are included. However, the type is more subtle and more difficult to determine. Most of our investigation concerns the type. We obtain "relative formulas" for S(f, mn) in terms of S(f, n) when the p-adic order of m is less than or equal to the minimum p-adic order of the alphas. The formulas are obtained in three separate cases, using different methods: (i) m is q to the s power, where q is a prime different from 2 and p; (ii) m is 2 to the s power; and (iii) m is p. In case (i), we use a congruence relation resulting from a suitable Galios action. For case (ii), in addition to the congruence in case (i), a special partition of the finite field with p to the 2n elements is needed. In case (iii), the congruence method does not work. However, the Artin-Schreier Theorem allows us to compute the trace of the extension from the finite field with p to the pn elements to the fi nite field with p to the n elements rather explicitly.When the 2-adic order of each of the alphas is equal and it is less than the 2-adic order of n, we are able to determine S(f, n) explicitly. As a special case, we have explicit formulas for the sum of the monomial, S(ax to the power of (1+ (p to the power of alpha)).Most of the results of the thesis are new and generalize previous results by Carlitz, Baumert, McEliece, and Hou.

Submitted by Clebson Anjos (clebson.leandro54@gmail.com) on 2015-05-19T17:19:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 977282 bytes, checksum: 98d2394b44f8e76ed8a9986250386a2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Clebson Anjos (clebson.leandro54@gmail.com) on 2015-05-19T17:19:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 977282 bytes, checksum: 98d2394b44f8e76ed8a9986250386a2c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-19T17:19:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 977282 bytes, checksum: 98d2394b44f8e76ed8a9986250386a2c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-13 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In this study, we evaluate if the congruence x2 a (mod m), where m is prime and (a;m) = 1, has or not solutions, highlighting the importance of Quadratic Residues and consequently the cooperation of the Legendre's Symbol, the Euler's Criterion and the Gauss' Lemma. Also, we demonstrate the Law of Quadratic Reciprocity generalizing situations for composite numbers, that is, the Jacobi's Symbol and its properties. We present some proposals of activities for the High School involving the subject matter and its possible applications, through an understandable language for students of this level. / Neste estudo, vamos avaliar se a congruência x2 a (mod m), onde m é primo e (a;m) = 1, apresenta ou não solução, destacando a importância dos Resíduos Quadráticos e, consequentemente da cooperação do Símbolo de Legendre, do Critério de Euler e do Lema de Gauss. Também, demonstraremos a Lei de Reciprocidade Quadrática generalizando situações para números compostos, ou seja, o Símbolo de Jacobi e suas propriedades. Apresentamos algumas propostas de atividades para o Ensino Médio envolvendo o assunto abordado e suas possíveis aplicações, através de uma linguagem compreensível aos alunos deste nível de ensino.