Abstract Algebra: A Student-Friendly Approach 1st Edition

This book presents abstract algebra in a non-intimidating and conceptually understandable way. It doesn't assume a mastery of the material before even presenting it, as many abstract algebra texts do. If you are fairly competent with intermediate level math (college algebra, trig, calculus, linear algebra, etc) in general, you will be familiar with much of the material presented at first--but a bit of review never hurt anyone. If not, this book does bridge the gap pretty well in the first few chapters.By the time you get through this material, you will have had a great introduction to most of the main topics from abstract algebra. You can then move on to one of the more rigorous treatments without being mystified, despondent, or enraged half the time as you go through such texts.The only negative I have to offer is that there are a fair amount of typos, especially in the practice exercises. Most of the time they are fairly obvious, but be careful not to take some of the typos literally and not even notice. If you do this in the exercises, you may find yourself trying to prove something to be true that is really false.Also, I think there could definitely be more exercises, and unfortunately, half the exercises do not have solutions in the book. That's not all that uncommon, but I disagree with the oft-stated value of doing it that way.Overall, though, if you have not seen abstract algebra before and you are at a reasonable level of "mathematical maturity," this is a great place to start discovering abstract algebra. The teaching style, methodology, and presentation is great. The authors go out of their way to guide you through the abstract algebra forest, rather than trying to get you lost and calling you names (or worse yet, dense) when you can't find your way out. This text is helpful rather than pompous.

This book truly is a very helpful introduction to abstract algebra (also known as "modern algebra" or "mathematical structures"). The book jacket's claim that the only prerequisite is high school algebra is, in my opinion, accurate. The authors define the symbols of mathematical logic such as ⊂, ⊃, ∼, ≁, ∃, ∈, ∋, ⇒, and ⇔, explaining them both verbally and by the use of truth tables. The underlying logic is presented clearly and concisely. Student exercises are provided not only at the end of each chapter but interspersed throughout the text as each new concept is is introduced. The book is a bit unwieldy (8½" X 11"), but this is designed to accommodate the reader's written notes and exercises.I believe the book would be appropriate for math students. However, I myself am a philosopher-theologian now writing a review of a book about the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. The book I am reviewing makes the claim that Whitehead's philosophy is easier to understand for persons who are able to "think algebraically." (Whitehead himself was a mathematician.) I have studied Whitehead enough to think that studying abstract algebra might indeed by helpful in interpreting his work—especially his "theory of extension."Whether or not that proves to be true, I do recommend the Dos Reis book on Abstract Algebra without hesitation. It is clearly written from beginning to end, starting by introducing set theory and then offering a comprehensive, accessible treatment of a subject that has often been presented abstrusely.

This is one of the most accessible abstract algebra I have ever seen in my career. It is at a more elementary level, but this text explain how to do basic proofs, and well as easily explaining subjects that are usually considered difficult for an upper level undergrad course. Cosets and homomorphism are well explained compared to most abstract algebra texts. So, I highly recommend this text.

Excellent for the self-learner: explanations are clear and concise with plenty of worked examples. Dos Reis doesn't obfuscate in the standard manner of a math author. If you are struggling with the class, not because of your math ability but rather because your textbook and/or instructor is terse, then this is what you need.

This is a very good book. If you want to learn Abstract Algebra, it is a great place to start. A few caveats, however.1) Lots of typos. Some are obvious, but they can be distracting.2) About halfway through the book gets less friendly. It begins moving quickly through more difficult topics.3) Starting with the treatment of cosets in particular, more examples would have been very helpful.

This book explains in detail how to solve numerous problems in abstract algebra. It is structured in a manner that allows the reader to reference material previously discussed in the text to create a sense of continuity. The language and style render this book to be one of the best supplemental materials for the serious student who finds typical abstract algebra texts a bit too nebulous.

I was looking for a self-study guide and this is really working well. The cover still haunts me though, am I being led to my death through this forest ?

Very accessible! Probably don’t want to use as your primary text or source for a course, but is an excellent supplement if you are having an struggles understanding the material!