Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

Bruce E. Meserve (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Books on Mathematics | Publication Date: October 1, 1982

Uncommonly interesting introduction illuminates complexities of higher mathematics while offering a thorough understanding of elementary mathematics. Covers development of complex number system and elementary theories of numbers, polynomials and operations, determinants, matrices, constructions and graphical representations. Several exercises — without solutions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486614700
• ISBN-13: 978-0486614700
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough treatment of Algebra, August 17, 2005

By 

Mr. D. Otgaar (Cape Town, South Africa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

I've enjoyed reading this book. Coverage is fairly broad and is presented as an advanced treatment of the typical topics in Algebra. While there is much overlap with texts on mathematical analysis, the treatment here is more focused on basic number and polynomial theory. The book is a nice recap of advanced precalculus topics and can be used as a refresher if you've been away from math for a while.

Overall, it's a good, lightweight read. There are no solutions to problems but the exercises are pretty easy so I don't think this is a substantial problem.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bruce, Almighty! :-), November 15, 2005

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R. Winchester (Boston) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

Just kidding about the title. This book is about algebra - more about the concepts and the "language" of mathematics and in fact is written basically in usual math book format.
Thats really important since it lets the novice see what goes where in the structure of typical "math problems." The first 4 chapters are about the basic arithmetic functions (up to polynomials) and the rest of the book gets into much more advanced topics - trig, derivatives, linear equations, and many other parts of the algebras.
Keep in mind: this book is really from the early '50s from U. Ill. courses (stated in preface). Going from start to finish doesnt require calculus but its not enough to replace a formal calculus course. Also all excercises are "without solutions" - states so on back of book.

4 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars interesting, readable, engaging, detailed.., August 5, 2005

By 

Franco G. Ruffini (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

First of all, I should say that I have just finished the first chapter of the book (including many of the exercises), which is called "Our Number System." I'm no expert, but I think this books gives a very interesting and rigorous account of various topics in algebra.