Introductory Book on Group Theory for HS freshman?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding an introductory book on group theory suitable for a high school freshman with a solid mathematical foundation and an interest in symmetry and transformations. The focus is on recommendations for formal textbooks that can complement online resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for introductory group theory books appropriate for a high school freshman.
  • Another participant suggests a specific book, noting its short chapters and good problems, and mentions its depth, including a proof related to the insolvability of the quintic.
  • A third participant expresses gratitude for the recommendation.
  • A different participant mentions another book, referring to it as an "oldie," implying it may be a classic or well-regarded text.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a suitable introductory book, but multiple recommendations are provided without a consensus on which is the best option.

Contextual Notes

No specific limitations or unresolved issues are noted in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents or educators looking for introductory resources in group theory for high school students, particularly those with a strong mathematical background.

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I am looking for an introductory book on group theory for my son who is a high school freshman. He has a good grasp of the basics of mathematics and is ready to take calculus classes. He has a very strong intuitive grasp of symmetry and transformations, so I thought that he may be ready to be exposed to group theory. (I know I did when I was in high school, when I had a wonderful math teacher who was working on his PhD thesis while he was teaching and took the time to take the best kids in his class aside and teach them advanced math topics).

Are there any recommendations for good introductory group theory books? We are going through some of the online resources, but I thought a formal textbook treatment may also be useful.

Thanks in advance!
 
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