A Book of Abstract Algebra: Second Edition Author: Charles C Pinter | Language: English | ISBN:
0486474178 | Format: EPUB
A Book of Abstract Algebra: Second Edition Description
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. Intended for undergraduate courses in abstract algebra, it is suitable for junior- and senior-level math majors and future math teachers. This second edition features additional exercises to improve student familiarity with applications.
An introductory chapter traces concepts of abstract algebra from their historical roots. Succeeding chapters avoid the conventional format of definition-theorem-proof-corollary-example; instead, they take the form of a discussion with students, focusing on explanations and offering motivation. Each chapter rests upon a central theme, usually a specific application or use. The author provides elementary background as needed and discusses standard topics in their usual order. He introduces many advanced and peripheral subjects in the plentiful exercises, which are accompanied by ample instruction and commentary and offer a wide range of experiences to students at different levels of ability.
- Series: Dover Books on Mathematics
- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Dover Publications; Second Edition edition (December 17, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0486474178
- ISBN-13: 978-0486474175
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Each class I've taken as a grad student, I've gone a little overboard buying all sorts of books on the subject matter. I like that each author has a unique style and approach.
In abstract algebra, there are the standards (Dummit, Hungerford, etc). These are the more down-and-dirty texts. They're good. They're thorough. They're rigorous. They do the job quite well if you already have some familiarity with the subject.
Then there are the older, cheaper books, like Deskins. It's alright. Some people nay-say it, but whatever: it's cheap and is one more voice to add to the choir.
Pinter, though, reads like a novel---and not in a cheesy way. As I waited for a friend in Barnes and Noble, I half-heartedly picked it up to skim through it... The introduction hooked me--it sums up what lies ahead like a movie trailer, leaving one mad to find out the whole story. Some might shrug this book off as a lowly "undergraduate" book, but if this is the case, you're missing out on the one author who has been able to deftly convey just how inspiring this subject really is. No other book has convinced me of the power of abstract algebra like this book.
Will it be the only book you read on the subject? If it is, then it was a good choice.
Having experience with the more standard tomes out there, there is the chance that I think this reads like a novel and is "so good" because I am familiar with the material. But, seriously, this is the kind of book that you're lucky to stumble across, whoever you are: a math nerd, physics geek, bio dweeb, or chem freak. This book will, at the least, open your eyes to well-kept secrets of higher mathematics.
By Kevin Urban
This is an excellent book on abstract algebra that makes the transition into this difficult area
as painless as possible. As a engineer who was forced to learn group theory, I read through at least 50 books
on this subject (another good choice is
Groups and Their Graphs by Grossman)
and Pinter's treatment was the most user friendly treatment I came across.
I have no doubt that most physicists and applied scientists would
also love the style of this book. However, ivory tower mathematics types might put their nose up at the
way Pinter develops the material.
Specifically, this book goes to great lengths to show the scaffolding behind the ideas and proofs. Concrete
examples and toy problems are given without apology.
As a result, the
mathematics is brought alive and not depicted as cold and detached theorem proving. This book actually
is a perfect response to the snobby elitism exuded by many
advanced math texts. Overall, this book is a model of good mathematics texbook writing. My highest recommendation.
By sp
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