Introduction to Abstract Algebra

An easy-to-use, self-study guide to abstract algebra and its applications.

Groups, rings, and fields are fast becoming vital in a wide range of applications utilizing mathematical models—in computer science, physics, chemistry, and engineering. This new edition of a proven text offers systematic, concise, easy-to-understand explanations for these basic structures of abstract algebra suitable for self-study. Revised and refined to be accessible even to readers with only rudimentary college algebra, the Second Edition carefully balances coverage of groups, rings, and fields and uses real-world problems to illustrate the theory. Concrete examples such as number theory, integers modulo n, and permutations are introduced at the outset, providing readers with a springboard to computations and subsequent abstract concepts. An ideal resource for scientists and engineers as well as students preparing for the algebra qualifying examinations, Introduction to Abstract Algebra, Second Edition presents an exciting array of features, including:

• Applications to cryptography, coding, geometrical constructions, and Polya counting techniques.
• Special topics such as symmetric polynomials, nilpotent groups, and finite-dimensional algebras.
• Nearly 500 solved examples along with hundreds of exercises.
• Biographies of 13 mathematicians plus historical notes.
• Review of the necessary background material.

W. KEITH NICHOLSON, PhD, is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.