Exploring Abstract Algebra With Mathematica?

• What is Exploring Abstract Algebra with Mathematica? Exploring Abstract Algebra with Mathematica is a learning environment for introductory abstract algebra built around a suite of Mathematica packages enti­ tled AbstractAlgebra. These packages are a foundation for this collection of twenty-seven interactive labs on group and ring theory. The lab portion of this book reflects the contents of the Mathematica-based electronic notebooks con­ tained in the accompanying CD-ROM. Students can interact with both the printed and electronic versions of the material in the laboratory and look up details and reference information in the User's Guide. Exercises occur in the stream of the text of labs, providing a context in which to answer. The notebooks are designed so that the answers to the questions can either be entered into the electronic notebook or written on paper, whichever the instructor prefers. The notebooks support versions 2. 2 and 3. 0-4. 0 and are compatible with all platforms that run Mathematica. This work can be used to supplement any introductory abstract algebra text and is not dependent on any particular text. The group and ring labs have been cross­ referenced against some of the more popular texts. This information can be found on our web site at http://www . central. edu/eaarn. htrnl (which is also mirrored at http://www . urnl. edu/Dept/Math/eaarn/eaarn. htrnl). If your favorite text isn't on our list, it can be added upon request by contacting either author.

Allen C. Hibbard is Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Central College (Pella, Iowa).