# Whats a ring ?

1. May 14, 2005

### roger

whats a ring ?

2. May 14, 2005

### dextercioby

3. May 14, 2005

### roger

yes, i also looked at that site too.. but I dont understand it all.

What did you mean by r^2 by the way ?

and do rings have relevance to physics ??

4. May 14, 2005

### dextercioby

I didn't see any $r^{2}$...

Yes,they do.Theoretical physics uses abstract algebra a lot.

Daniel.

5. May 14, 2005

### Vanes63

Abstract Algebra

Take a set, give it a few properties, that's what most of abstract algebra is about.

A ring is just one of the structures that is studied in abstract/modern algebra.

Start with groups, then it will get you to identify what a ring is a little better.

- Vanes.

6. May 14, 2005

### roger

How do you get started studying rings though ?

I wanted to know what you meant by R^2 when you showed me the double integral..in the other homework question.

7. May 14, 2005

### dextercioby

Aaaaa,got it.You've studied cartesian (direct) product.It's the cartesian product of R with itself.

You should have introductory abstract algebra in high-school.If not,then definitely in college,if u take a math major.

Daniel.