Introduction to Abstract Algebra

A revision of McCoy's classic text, Introductory Abstract Algebra, Sixth Edition, retains the goals of earlier editions by providing the key information for a first course in abstract algebra in an easily understood, digestible manner. The material in the sixth edition is kept at approximately the same level as that in the previous editions with a number of comments, remarks, and exercises that point students toward more advanced topics. Rings are presented before groups because the ring of integers is already known to students and easily serves as a source of examples.

• Simple, clear, motivating style
• Many examples to illustrate concepts and theories

Rooted in the successful tradition of earlier editions, this revision of a popular classic for a first course in abstract algebra presents rings before groups. This organization helps make abstract concepts more concrete and allows the course to begin with material (the ongoing example of the ring of integers) that is already familiar to the student.
This Sixth Edition contains many new exercises as well as a new section on RSA cryptology (as an application of properties of the Euler function). Two topics, order properties of integers and mathematical induction, have been moved forward in the book so that induction can be used more systematically in the proofs. A number of new comments, remarks, and exercises now point the reader toward more advanced topics.
@from:Reviewers' Comments:
@qu:"Revisions have improved the book....I strongly agree with the decision to present rings before groups, and the author does a good job of justifying this choice....This text is much better than any text we have used in the past because it is at the appropriate level for our students."
@source:--Burton Fein, Oregon State University
@qu:"I like the fact that equivalence relations and action of a group on a set are introduced separately. This makes these important ideas easier to grasp....Chapter 6 provides a very nice treatment of the elementary theory of groups. Section 6.9 is very well written and makes and excellent reading assignment."
@source:--Ivan Dimitrov, University of California, Los Angeles