What's the Next Step in Advanced Algebra After Artin and Dummit?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on finding suitable textbooks for someone with a strong background in linear algebra, having completed courses covering advanced topics such as determinants, diagonalization, and spectral theory, along with calculus and analysis in several dimensions. While Artin's book was noted for its comprehensive coverage, it was suggested that some chapters could be skipped for those already familiar with the material. Concerns about Dummit and Foote's book were mentioned, although it was acknowledged that it might be appropriate for those at a similar level as Artin. Hungerford's text was recommended for a more challenging experience. Additionally, Robert Ash's free book was highlighted as a resource that assumes knowledge of linear algebra and is suitable for first-year graduate students, providing an alternative for those looking to delve into abstract algebra and its connections to linear algebra.
samspotting
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
I just finished a very rigorous second course in linear algebra covering determinants, diagonalization, cayley hamilton thm and invariant subspaces, normal/self adjoint/unitary operators and the spectral thm, and jordan forms. I also have finished calc 3, analysis in several dimensions.

I flipped through artin and saw that it covered a lot of what I knew already (just from looking at the table of contents). What is a good book for someone with my background? I've heard bad things about dummit and foote.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Personally, I like D&F. If it's too easy (it's about the same level as Artin), you can go right to Hungerford.
So you have a good background in linear algebra...but have you seen anything on group and ring theory?
 
I have never studied abstract algebra, so I know very little of even what it covers. I know the basic definition of a ring and group. I was confused as to why there is so much lin alg in artin. Is it from a group theory perspective?
 
Artin is an excellent book. Just skip or skim over chapters 1,3,4 and do the rest of the book normally. The books set up the way it is because the course at MIT the book is based contained abstract algebra and abstract linear algebra together.

Or Robert Ash's book is free and assumes linear algebra, although his book is meant for a first year graduate class instead of an undergrad class.
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~r-ash/Algebra.html
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K