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Abstract Algebra and Famous Impossibilities

This textbook develops the abstract algebra necessary to prove the impossibility of four famous mathematical feats: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and solving quintic equations. All the relevant concepts about fields are introduced concretely, with the geometrical questions providing motivation for the algebraic concepts. By focusing on problems that are as easy to approach as they were fiendishly difficult to resolve, the authors provide a uniquely accessible introduction to the power of abstraction. Beginning with a brief account of the history of these fabled problems, the book goes on to present the theory of fields, polynomials, field extensions, and irreducible polynomials. Straightedge and compass constructions establish the standards for constructability, and offer a glimpse into why squaring, doubling, and trisecting appeared so tractable to professional and amateur mathematicians alike. However, the connection between geometry and algebra allows the reader to bypass two millennia of failed geometric attempts, arriving at the elegant algebraic conclusion that such constructions are impossible. From here, focus turns to a challenging problem within algebra itself: finding a general formula for solving a quintic polynomial. The proof of the impossibility of this task is presented using Abel’s original approach. Abstract Algebra and Famous Impossibilities illustrates the enormous power of algebraic abstraction by exploring several notable historical triumphs. This new edition adds the fourth impossibility: solving general quintic equations. Students and instructors alike will appreciate the illuminating examples, conversational commentary, and engaging exercises that accompany each section. A first course in linear algebra is assumed, along with a basic familiarity with integral calculus.

The Grand Man

A Course in Homological Algebra

We have inserted, in this edition, an extra chapter (Chapter X) entitled "Some Applications and Recent Developments." The first section of this chapter describes how homological algebra arose by abstraction from algebraic topology and how it has contributed to the knowledge of topology. The other four sections describe applications of the methods and results of homological algebra to other parts of algebra. Most of the material presented in these four sections was not available when this text was first published. Naturally, the treatments in these five sections are somewhat cursory, the intention being to give the flavor of the homo logical methods rather than the details of the arguments and results. We would like to express our appreciation of help received in writing Chapter X; in particular, to Ross Geoghegan and Peter Kropholler (Section 3), and to Jacques Thevenaz (Sections 4 and 5). The only other changes consist of the correction of small errors and, of course, the enlargement of the Index. Peter Hilton Binghamton, New York, USA Urs Stammbach Zurich, Switzerland Contents Preface to the Second Edition vii Introduction. . I. Modules.