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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on recommendations for advanced algebra texts suitable for someone with a strong background in linear algebra and calculus, specifically after engaging with Artin's book. Participants explore various options and express differing opinions on the suitability of Dummit and Foote's text, as well as other resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant has completed a rigorous second course in linear algebra and seeks recommendations for advanced algebra texts, noting familiarity with topics covered in Artin.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for Dummit and Foote, suggesting that if it feels too easy, the individual could move on to Hungerford.
  • A participant unfamiliar with abstract algebra questions the prevalence of linear algebra content in Artin, seeking clarification on its relevance to group theory.
  • One participant recommends Artin as an excellent resource, advising to skip certain chapters and suggesting Robert Ash's free book as an alternative for those with a linear algebra background.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the suitability of Dummit and Foote, as opinions vary. Some participants advocate for its use, while others express skepticism. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best next steps in advanced algebra.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with abstract algebra, which may influence their recommendations. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on the integration of linear algebra with abstract algebra concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with a background in linear algebra and calculus seeking advanced algebra resources, particularly those interested in abstract algebra and its applications.

samspotting
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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.
 
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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
 

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