Rudolf LIDL

Accessible to junior and senior undergraduate students, this survey contains many examples, solved exercises, sets of problems, and parts of abstract algebra of use in many other areas of discrete mathematics. Although this is a mathematics book, the authors have made great efforts to address the needs of users employing the techniques discussed. Fully worked out computational examples are backed by more than 500 exercises throughout the 40 sections. This new edition includes a new chapter on cryptology, and an enlarged chapter on applications of groups, while an extensive chapter has been added to survey other applications not included in the first edition. The book assumes knowledge of the material covered in a course on linear algebra and, preferably, a first course in (abstract) algebra covering the basics of groups, rings, and fields.

Accessible to junior and senior undergraduate students, this survey contains many examples, solved exercises, sets of problems, and parts of abstract algebra of use in many other areas of discrete mathematics. Although this is a mathematics book, the authors have made great efforts to address the needs of users employing the techniques discussed. Fully worked out computational examples are backed by more than 500 exercises throughout the 40 sections. This new edition includes a new chapter on cryptology, and an enlarged chapter on applications of groups, while an extensive chapter has been added to survey other applications not included in the first edition. This book assumes knowledge of the material covered in a course on linear algebra and, preferably, a first course in (abstract) algebra covering the basics of groups, rings, and fields.

The theory of finite fields is a branch of algebra that has come to the fore because of its diverse applications in such areas as combinatorics, coding theory and the mathematical study of switching ciruits. This book is devoted entirely to the theory of finite fields, and it provides comprehensive coverage of the literature. Bibliographical notes at the end of each chapter give an historical survey of the development of the subject. Worked out examples and lists of exercises found throughout the book make it useful as a text for advanced level courses.

There is at present a growing body of opinion that in the decades ahead discrete mathematics (that is, "noncontinuous mathematics"), and therefore parts of applicable modern algebra, will be of increasing importance. Cer­ tainly, one reason for this opinion is the rapid development of computer science, and the use of discrete mathematics as one of its major tools. The purpose of this book is to convey to graduate students or to final-year undergraduate students the fact that the abstract algebra encountered pre­ viously in a first algebra course can be used in many areas of applied mathematics. It is often the case that students who have studied mathematics go into postgraduate work without any knowledge of the applicability of the structures they have studied in an algebra course. In recent years there have emerged courses and texts on discrete mathe­ matics and applied algebra. The present text is meant to add to what is available, by focusing on three subject areas. The contents of this book can be described as dealing with the following major themes: Applications of Boolean algebras (Chapters 1 and 2). Applications of finite fields (Chapters 3 to 5). Applications of semigroups (Chapters 6 and 7).

The theory of finite fields is a branch of modern algebra that has come to the fore in recent years because of its diverse applications in such areas as combinatorics, coding theory, cryptology and the mathematical study of switching circuits. The first part of this updated edition presents an introduction to this theory, emphasising those aspects that are relevant for application. The second part is devoted to a discussion of the most important applications of finite fields, especially to information theory, algebraic coding theory and cryptology. There is also a chapter on applications within mathematics, such as finite geometries, combinatorics and pseudo-random sequences. The book is meant to be used as a textbook: worked examples and copious exercises that range from the routine, to those giving alternative proofs of key theorems, to extensions of material covered in the text, are provided throughout. It will appeal to advanced undergraduates and graduate students taking courses on topics in algebra, whether they have backgrounds in mathematics, electrical engineering or computer science. Non-specialists will also find this a readily accessible introduction to an active and increasingly important subject.