This book introduces students to the world of advanced mathematics using algebraic structures as a unifying theme. Having no prerequisites beyond precalculus and an interest in abstract reasoning, the book is suitable for students of math education, computer science or physics who are looking for an easy-going entry into discrete mathematics, induction and recursion, groups and symmetry, and plane geometry. In its presentation, the book takes special care to forge linguistic and conceptual links between formal precision and underlying intuition, tending toward the concrete, but continually aiming to extend students' comfort with abstraction, experimentation, and non-trivial computation. The main part of the book can be used as the basis for a transition-to-proofs course that balances theory with examples, logical care with intuitive plausibility, and has sufficient informality to be accessible to students with disparate backgrounds. For students and instructors who wish to go further, the book also explores the Sylow theorems, classification of finitely-generated Abelian groups, and discrete groups of Euclidean plane transformations.

This two-volume course on abstract algebra provides a broad introduction to the subject for those with no previous knowledge of it but who are well grounded in ordinary algebraic techniques. It starts from the beginning, leading up to fresh ideas gradually and in a fairly elementary manner, and moving from discussion of particular (concrete) cases to abstract ideas and methods. It thus avoids the common practice of presenting the reader with a mass of ideas at the beginning, which he is only later able to relate to his previous mathematical experience. The work contains many concrete examples of algebraic structures. Each chapter contains a few worked examples for the student - these are divided into straightforward and more advanced categories. Answers are provided. From general sets, Volume 1 leads on to discuss special sets of the integers, other number sets, residues, polynomials and vectors. A chapter on mappings is followed by a detailed study of the fundamental laws of algebra, and an account of the theory of groups which takes the idea of subgroups as far as Langrange's theorem. Some improvements in exposition found desirable by users of the book have been incorporated into the second edition and the opportunity has also been taken to correct a number of errors.

In these notes, first published in 1980, Professor Northcott provides a self-contained introduction to the theory of affine algebraic groups for mathematicians with a basic knowledge of communicative algebra and field theory. The book divides into two parts. The first four chapters contain all the geometry needed for the second half of the book which deals with affine groups. Alternatively the first part provides a sure introduction to the foundations of algebraic geometry. Any affine group has an associated Lie algebra. In the last two chapters, the author studies these algebras and shows how, in certain important cases, their properties can be transferred back to the groups from which they arose. These notes provide a clear and carefully written introduction to algebraic geometry and algebraic groups.

Anyone who has studied abstract algebra and linear algebra as an undergraduate can understand this book. The first six chapters provide material for a first course, while the rest of the book covers more advanced topics. This revised edition retains the clarity of presentation that was the hallmark of the previous editions. From the reviews: "Rotman has given us a very readable and valuable text, and has shown us many beautiful vistas along his chosen route." --MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

Bond and Keane explicate the elements of logical, mathematical argument to elucidate the meaning and importance of mathematical rigor. With definitions of concepts at their disposal, students learn the rules of logical inference, read and understand proofs of theorems, and write their own proofs all while becoming familiar with the grammar of mathematics and its style. In addition, they will develop an appreciation of the different methods of proof (contradiction, induction), the value of a proof, and the beauty of an elegant argument. The authors emphasize that mathematics is an ongoing, vibrant disciplineits long, fascinating history continually intersects with territory still uncharted and questions still in need of answers. The authors extensive background in teaching mathematics shines through in this balanced, explicit, and engaging text, designed as a primer for higher- level mathematics courses. They elegantly demonstrate process and application and recognize the byproducts of both the achievements and the missteps of past thinkers. Chapters 1-5 introduce the fundamentals of abstract mathematics and chapters 6-8 apply the ideas and techniques, placing the earlier material in a real context. Readers interest is continually piqued by the use of clear explanations, practical examples, discussion and discovery exercises, and historical comments.