Discovering Abstract Algebra

Discovering Abstract Algebra takes an Inquiry-Based Learning approach to the subject, leading students to discover for themselves its main themes and techniques. Concepts are introduced conversationally through extensive examples and student investigation before being formally defined. Students will develop skills in carefully making statements and writing proofs, while they simultaneously build a sense of ownership over the ideas and results. The book has been extensively tested and reinforced at points of common student misunderstanding or confusion, and includes a wealth of exercises at a variety of levels. The contents were deliberately organized to follow the recommendations of the MAA's 2015 Curriculum Guide. The book is ideal for a one- or two-semester course in abstract algebra, and will prepare students well for graduate-level study in algebra.

Discovering Abstract Algebra takes an Inquiry-Based Learning approach to the subject, leading students to discover for themselves its main themes and techniques. Concepts are introduced conversationally through extensive examples and student investigation before being formally defined. Students will develop skills in carefully making statements and writing proofs, while they simultaneously build a sense of ownership over the ideas and results. The book has been extensively tested and reinforced at points of common student misunderstanding or confusion, and includes a wealth of exercises at a variety of levels. The contents were deliberately organized to follow the recommendations of the MAA's 2015 Curriculum Guide. The book is ideal for a one- or two-semester course in abstract algebra, and will prepare students well for graduate-level study in algebra.

Accessible but rigorous, this outstanding text encompasses all of the topics covered by a typical course in elementary abstract algebra. Its easy-to-read treatment offers an intuitive approach, featuring informal discussions followed by thematically arranged exercises. This second edition features additional exercises to improve student familiarity with applications. 1990 edition.

Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications is an open-source textbook that is designed to teach the principles and theory of abstract algebra to college juniors and seniors in a rigorous manner. Its strengths include a wide range of exercises, both computational and theoretical, plus many non-trivial applications. The first half of the book presents group theory, through the Sylow theorems, with enough material for a semester-long course. The second half is suitable for a second semester and presents rings, integral domains, Boolean algebras, vector spaces, and fields, concluding with Galois Theory.

This upper-division laboratory supplement for courses in abstract algebra consists of several Mathematica packages programmed as a foundation for group and ring theory. Additionally, the "user's guide" illustrates the functionality of the underlying code, while the lab portion of the book reflects the contents of the Mathematica-based electronic notebooks. Students interact with both the printed and electronic versions of the material in the laboratory, and can look up details and reference information in the user's guide. Exercises occur in the stream of the text of the lab, which provides a context within which to answer, and the questions are designed to be either written into the electronic notebook, or on paper. The notebooks are available in both 2.2 and 3.0 versions of Mathematica, and run across all platforms for which Mathematica exits. A very timely and unique addition to the undergraduate abstract algebra curriculum, filling a tremendous void in the literature.

Studying abstract algebra can be an adventure of awe-inspiring discovery. The subject need not be watered down nor should it be presented as if all students will become mathematics instructors. This is a beautiful, profound, and useful field which is part of the shared language of many areas both within and outside of mathematics. To begin this journey of discovery, some experience with mathematical reasoning is beneficial. This text takes a fairly rigorous approach to its subject, and expects the reader to understand and create proofs as well as examples throughout. The book follows a single arc, starting from humble beginnings with arithmetic and high-school algebra, gradually introducing abstract structures and concepts, and culminating with Niels Henrik Abel and Evariste Galois’ achievement in understanding how we can—and cannot—represent the roots of polynomials. The mathematically experienced reader may recognize a bias toward commutative algebra and fondness for number theory. The presentation includes the following features: Exercises are designed to support and extend the material in the chapter, as well as prepare for the succeeding chapters. The text can be used for a one, two, or three-term course. Each new topic is motivated with a question. A collection of projects appears in Chapter 23. Abstract algebra is indeed a deep subject; it can transform not only the way one thinks about mathematics, but the way that one thinks—period. This book is offered as a manual to a new way of thinking. The author’s aim is to instill the desire to understand the material, to encourage more discovery, and to develop an appreciation of the subject for its own sake.

Based on the ontology and semantics of algebra, the computer algebra system Magma enables users to rapidly formulate and perform calculations in abstract parts of mathematics. Edited by the principal designers of the program, this book explores Magma. Coverage ranges from number theory and algebraic geometry, through representation theory and group theory to discrete mathematics and graph theory. Includes case studies describing computations underpinning new theoretical results.

A lucid guide to abstract algebra, this comprehensive textbook provides in depth coverage for upper undergraduate students.