Abstract Algebra [Hardcover]

John A. Beachy (Author), William D. Blair (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1577664434 | ISBN-13: 978-1577664437 | Publication Date: January 5, 2006 | Edition: 3

Highly regarded by instructors in past editions for its sequencing of topics as well as its concrete approach, slightly slower beginning pace, and extensive set of exercises, the latest edition of Abstract Algebra extends the thrust of the widely used earlier editions as it introduces modern abstract concepts only after a careful study of important examples. Beachy and BlairÂ’s clear narrative presentation responds to the needs of inexperienced students who stumble over proof writing, who understand definitions and theorems but cannot do the problems, and who want more examples that tie into their previous experience. The authors introduce chapters by indicating why the material is important and, at the same time, relating the new material to things from the studentÂ’s background and linking the subject matter of the chapter to the broader picture. Instructors will find the latest edition pitched at a suitable level of difficulty and will appreciate its gradual increase in the level of sophistication as the student progresses through the book. Rather than inserting superficial applications at the expense of important mathematical concepts, the Beachy and Blair solid, well-organized treatment motivates the subject with concrete problems from areas that students have previously encountered, namely, the integers and polynomials over the real numbers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Hillman-Alexanderson, Abstract Algebra: A First Undergraduate Course, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577660828) and Saracino, Abstract Algebra: A First Course, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577665366).

From the Back Cover

"The book has a great selection of exercises. There are enough good ones to make it possible to use the book several semesters in a row without repeating too much. They come in a nice mix from easy computations to warm the students up to more difficult theoretical problems. A few have solutions, but most don't. I like this balance very much." -- Will Murray, California State University, Long Beach

"I like the gradual introduction to abstraction by starting with examples rather than abstract groups or rings. Many nice examples, as well as good theorems often omitted from undergraduate courses." -- William M. McGovern, University of Washington

"A well-written text with plenty of opportunity for students to get involved in the learning process." -- Francis T. Hannick, Minnesota State University, Mankato

"This book moves from concreteness to abstraction more skillfully than any text I have ever seen. A completely convincing and student-oriented presentation of the `why' of abstract algebra as well as the `how.'" -- Vic Camillo, University of Iowa

Product Details

• Hardcover: 484 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc; 3 edition (January 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577664434
• ISBN-13: 978-1577664437
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carefully develops proof writing skills, December 23, 2000

By 

Bruce Atwood (Rockford, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Hardcover)

This excellent book was my textbook for 2 semesters of senior level abstract algebra. The unique feature of this book is that elementary number theory, equivalence relations, and permutations are carefully introduced at the beginning. Other books launch right into groups and then have to make long digressions to cover these topics. Comparing this book to the best-selling Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph Gallian, I like that Gallian's book adds many applications which students will find interesting. However, Beachy and Blair's book puts a greater emphasis on developing student's ability to do proofs. The book also incorporates more number theory than many other texts. Answers to selected problems are included, so I recommend this book for self study as well as a textbook for any undergraduate abstract algebra course.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!!, January 28, 2004

By 

G. D. Roche "Excel fanatic" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Hardcover)

Not only is the best book I have seen on Abstract Algebra, this is the best mathematics book I own. I have used it as a suppliment while studying, in research, and in teaching. It is clear and readable. The authors also have a wonderful web site with scores of resources on the subject.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very nice, detailed exposition to Abstract Algebra, February 10, 2006

By 

From Detroit (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Hardcover)

This is the best introductory text I've read. I like it much better than Durbin. The author takes a lot of time explaining proofs in the beginning. Over time, they leave more to the reader. The exercises are bountiful, and I often find a few interesting ones in each section. I highly recommend this text to anyone interested in higher mathematics. It's very thorough, yet very readable.