Overview

This book is a concise, self-contained introduction to abstract algebra which stresses its unifying role in geometry and number theory. There is a strong emphasis on historical motivation - both to trace abstract concepts to their concrete roots, but also to show the power of new ideas to solve old problems. This approach shows algebra as an integral part of mathematics and makes this text more informative to both beginners and experts than others. Classical results of geometry and number theory (such as straightedge-and-compass construction and its relation to Fermat primes) are used to motivate and illustrate algebraic techniques, and classical algebra itself (solutions of cubic and quartic equations) is used to motivate the problem of solvability by radicals and its solution via Galois theory. Modern methods are used whenever they are clearer or more efficient, but technical machinery is introduced only when needed. The lively style and clear expositions make this book a pleasure to read and to learn from.

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9781441928399

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Reviews

...The book is written in a very clear and pleasing style. Each of the 9 chapters of the book concludes with a section called Discussions , which contains very interesting and valuable historical information and comments on the topics presented in the respective chapter. We strongly recommend this nice volume not only to beginners but also to experts. --MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

""...The book is written in a very clear and pleasing style. Each of the 9 chapters of the book concludes with a section called ""Discussions"", which contains very interesting and valuable historical information and comments on the topics presented in the respective chapter. We strongly recommend this nice volume not only to beginners but also to experts.""--MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

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