Refer me the best book in Algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for algebra books, focusing on both theoretical content and problem-solving. Participants express a desire for comprehensive resources that cover various topics in depth, including specific areas like the theory of equations and linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a single book that covers all algebra topics, emphasizing the need for both theory and problems.
  • Another participant suggests that no single book covers all topics and proposes mentioning different books for different subjects.
  • Two books by Mac Lane and Birkhoff, "Survey of Modern Algebra" and "Algebra," are recommended, with the latter noted as more advanced and comprehensive.
  • Burnside and Panton's "The Theory of Equations" is highlighted as an excellent resource for the theory of equations, particularly its first volume.
  • A participant mentions that Wikipedia may suffice for inequalities and set theory, while recommending Axler's book for linear algebra, though acknowledges that preferences may vary.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of previously mentioned books in covering specific topics like Newton's identities and Rolle's theorem.
  • Another participant humorously claims to have only read Burnside and Panton, asserting its traditional approach despite its age.
  • Artin's book is suggested for algebra, along with Baby Rudin for analysis, with a note on the challenging nature of Rudin's writing style.
  • Participants discuss the difficulty of Baby Rudin and the importance of understanding multivariable calculus to grasp its content effectively.
  • One participant shares their experience with different editions of Baby Rudin, expressing a preference for Pugh's "Real Mathematical Analysis" over Rudin's work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best resources for algebra, with no consensus on a single book. Multiple competing views exist regarding the adequacy of various texts for specific topics, and the discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to cover all desired areas.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that certain books may not cover specific advanced topics, and there is a mention of the traditional nature of some recommended texts, which may not suit all learners. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the material and differing preferences for book styles.

Amar.alchemy
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Kindly refer me the best book for the above mentioned topics. Actually, I'm looking for both theory and problems and it will be good if the book handles the topics in depth.
 
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I didn't find any single book which covers all the topics... so can you kindly mention different books for different topics
 
Two books immediately come to mind, both by the same authors

Mac Lane and Birkhoff's "Survey of Modern Algebra" and
Mac Lane and Birkhoff's "Algebra"

The latter is more advanced than the former and is more comprehensive. I am a big fan of Mac Lane's mathematical style: rigorous and interesting.
 
For all the things mentioned in your 1st. para 'Theory of Equations' the best book is called, er, 'The Theory of Equations'. By Burnside and Panton. Just vol 1. Vol. 2 is devilish, but vol 1 has all the things you mentioned. I think maybe Panton wrote the first vol and Burnside the second. Vol 1 of the Theory of Equations is the best book ever written on the theory of equations. In fact it is the best book ever written. So later let me know how you got on with it. If you have found it helpful I might even read it myself.
 
For the inequalities and set theory topics, I think Wikipedia is sufficient. Post a question if there's a detail you don't understand. There's a lot of linear algebra on your list. I like Axler's book, but you might prefer one that introduces determinants earlier. (I don't think you would have any problems with Axler, but if you want to you can find lots of other recommendations by searching this forum).
 
Thanks for ur replies :)

However,the books mentioned in the above posts doesn't deals with "Theory of equations" particularly Newton's identities, Reciprocal equations, Rolle's theorem, Des cartes and rule of signs. Is there any book which covers these topics or shuld i read these topics from internet??
 
Burnside and Panton does deal with every one of those.

When I imply I haven't read it I am joking of course.

I have never read anything else. :biggrin:

It is old (7th edn. 1912! repr. Dover, you should be able to find it) and 'traditional' rather 'concrete'. There may be shorter books on the same subject - that by no means necessarily makes them easier! Let us hear other opinions to choose what best suits you.
 
Artin (for algebra) and the first few chapters of Baby Rudin (for analysis) will have you covered on all topics, and in plenty of depth (Baby Rudin especially)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0130047635/?tag=pfamazon01-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/007054235X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Baby Rudin (aka Principles of Mathematical Analysis) isn't for the faint of heart though. It's written in an extremely concise style relative to lower division and most upper division undergrad books, and you'll have to fill details like drawing diagrams and filling in steps as you read it or you'll be totally lost (unless you have an IQ of 5000). Make no mistake though; there is an incredible amount of information contained in it. I honestly think the only way to read it is to sketch the proofs in full detail as you go along, because Rudin's arguments are really slick and can look like hand-waving if you don't get down and dirty with them. Artin's a lot more forgiving, but no walk in the park either. Both texts have very challenging problems, though Artin has quite a few of the plug and chug variety while Baby Rudin has very few. If I had to make one recommendation though, have your multivariable calc class down cold. Or if you're not in school, make sure you have all the topics from this multivariable class below down cold:

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/18-02Fall-2007/CourseHome/index.htm

You got to know your geometry or you'll just be doing symbol manipulation.

As an aside, another plus to reading Artin is you'll be able to watch these lectures from a Harvard algebra class as you go along with it.

http://www.extension.harvard.edu/openlearning/math222/
 
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If you go with the Baby Rudin book for your analysis studies, you can also follow this class below (there's also problem sets and solutions)

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/18-100BFall-2006/CourseHome/index.htm
 
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  • #10
@epenguin,
Thanks :) it covers most of my linear algebra part.

@gauss^2,
Thanks for the video links and i think for abstract algebra i will go for artin :)
 
  • #11
gauss^2 said:
Baby Rudin (aka Principles of Mathematical Analysis) isn't for the faint of heart though. It's written in an extremely concise style relative to lower division and most upper division undergrad books, and you'll have to fill details like drawing diagrams and filling in steps as you read it or you'll be totally lost (unless you have an IQ of 5000). Make no mistake though; there is an incredible amount of information contained in it. I honestly think the only way to read it is to sketch the proofs in full detail as you go along, because Rudin's arguments are really slick and can look like hand-waving if you don't get down and dirty with them.

You know I started off reading the 2nd edition of baby Rudin (I switched to Pugh, a much better book), and later got the 3rd edition. Believe it or not, the 2nd edition is even more difficult that the 3rd! The third edition helps you more in the questions, proofs and examples, and has more easier questions (easier than the others he has, but by no means easy in absolute terms). The presentation is also cleaner in the 3rd edition, in my opinion. Just some trivia for you.
But yea, I think Pugh's Real Mathematical Analysis is by far the better book.
 

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