Concrete Approach to Abstract Algebra

"A Concrete Approach to Abstract Algebra" begins with a concrete and thorough examination of familiar objects like integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, complex conjugation and polynomials. In this unique approach, the author builds upon these familiar objects and then uses them to introduce and motivate advanced concepts in algebra in a manner that is easier to understand for most students. The text will be of particular interest to teachers and future teachers as it links abstract algebra to many topics which arise in courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus and calculus. The final four chapters present the more theoretical material needed for graduate study. This title presents a more natural 'rings first' approach to effectively leading the student into the abstract material of the course by the use of motivating concepts from previous math courses to guide the discussion of abstract algebra. It bridges the gap for students by showing how most of the concepts within an abstract algebra course are actually tools used to solve difficult, but well-known problems. It builds on relatively familiar material (Integers, polynomials) and moves onto more abstract topics, while providing a historical approach of introducing groups first as automorphisms. Exercises provide a balanced blend of difficulty levels, while the quantity allows the instructor a latitude of choices.