Class numbers of quadratic function fields and continued fractions

Abstract

A function field version of a theorem of F. Hirzebruch relating continued fractions to class numbers of quadratic number fields is established. Our approach is based on Artin's thesis and Zagier's proof of Hirzebruch's theorem. Some of our results seem to be of independent interest, e.g. explicit formulas for Zeta functions of real quadratic function fields. © 1992.