Jeffrey Bergen

A Concrete Approach to Abstract Algebra: From the Integers to the Insolvability of the Quintic, Second Edition provides a primer and reference on abstract algebra for readers whose interests lie in mathematics and information and physical sciences. Adopting the unique 'rings first' approach, the work provides a gentle transition into abstract structures that will make abstract algebra more natural to interested readers. In addition to introducing the major concepts of modern algebra, the book covers numerous applications which are intended to illustrate the concepts and convince the reader of the utility and relevance of algebra today. This Second Edition features 40% new or revised content, including complete and self-contained proofs of the fundamental theorems of algebra and the Insolvability of the Quintic, and new coverage of commutative rings and linear transformations.

A Concrete Approach to Abstract Algebra presents a solid and highly accessible introduction to abstract algebra by providing details on the building blocks of abstract algebra. It begins with a concrete and thorough examination of familiar objects such as integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, complex conjugation, and polynomials. The author then builds upon these familiar objects and uses them to introduce and motivate advanced concepts in algebra in a manner that is easier to understand for most students. Exercises provide a balanced blend of difficulty levels, while the quantity allows the instructor a latitude of choices. The final four chapters present the more theoretical material needed for graduate study. This 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.