Books for self-study in pure areas of mathematics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on recommendations for self-study books in pure mathematics, particularly in areas like topology, graph theory, number theory, and group theory. Participants suggest several titles, including "Elementary Analysis" by Ross for an accessible introduction to real analysis, "Carothers' Real Analysis" for more advanced concepts, and "Abstract Algebra: An Introduction" by Hungerford for algebra. Munkres' topology text is also highlighted as a strong resource. The original poster expresses gratitude for the suggestions but seeks alternatives for more affordable algebra books and confirms they will cover analysis in their university course.
dsfranca
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Books for self-study in "pure areas" of mathematics

Hi,
I am starting an applied mathematics course this year at university. Unfortunately I don't have the option to study "pure" areas of mathematics, but I would like to learn more about them to become a more complete mathematician at the end of the course, as I understand that areas such as topology also have important practical applications and also because of my intelectual curiosity.

Therefore I would like to know if you guys could recommend good books for self study in topology, graph theory, number theory and group theory, or any other "purer" area that I may be forgetting and you think is important/interesting.

I like books that have many examples or worked problems but also present proofs. I recently studied linear algebra using Gilbert Strang's video lectures and David Poole's book, and I thought this was a good method and the syllabus was of sufficient depth and difficulty for my current conditions, so I believe this would be the level I am looking for (first years of undergradute school).

Thanks for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Here are a few books I used that I really liked and I think are suitable for self-study.

If you want a nice, easy introduction to real analysis, I recommend Elementary Analysis by Ross. This is below the level of Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis, but it's easy for self-study. It has hints and solutions in the back for proof problems. This book is also very cheap, which makes it nice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/038790459X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

For a more advanced analysis book, Carothers' Real Analysis is fantastic and it has a very different style than other books. I highly recommend it. I used this for self study of some more advanced analysis concepts.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521497566/?tag=pfamazon01-20

For Algebra (Groups, Rings, Fields), I really liked Abstract Algebra: An Introduction by Hungerford. For some reason, it's ridiculously expensive though. However, it has lots of examples and problems sorted by difficulty and it has hints in the back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0030105595/?tag=pfamazon01-20

For topology, Munkres' text is great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131816292/?tag=pfamazon01-20

If you have any interest in pursuing analysis, Kreyszig's Functional Analysis book is very easy and readable with tons of examples. The only background required is linear algebra and some analysis.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471504599/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Last edited by a moderator:


What do you currently know?
 


The most advanced things I know in calculus are integration by parts and partial derivatives, I know the basics of group theory and have a good knowledge of linear algebra, actually the whole content of Poole's Linear Algebra book, besides the usual high-school math.
Ebolapox, thank you for your recommendations. I really liked the topology book and have access to it here in Brazil, so I think that issue is settled, but the other ones on algebra are too expensive and I don't have access to them, do you have any other recommendation?
Regarding analysis, thanks for the books, but I will have this subject covered in college, so I don't need the books right now, but thank you anyway!
 
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
This is part 2 of my thread Collection of Free Online Math Books and Lecture Notes Here, we will consider physics and mathematical methods for physics resources. Now, this is a work in progress. Please feel free comment regarding items you want to be included, or if a link is broken etc. Note: I will not post links to other collections, each link will point you to a single item. :book:📚📒 [FONT=trebuchet ms]Introductory college/university physics College Physics, Openstax...
Back
Top