The Elements Of Advanced Mathematics

The Elements of Advanced Mathematics, Second Edition

The gap between the rote, calculational learning mode of calculus and ordinary differential equations and the more theoretical learning mode of analysis and abstract algebra grows ever wider and more distinct, and students' need for a well-guided transition grows with it. For more than six years, the bestselling first edition of this classic text has helped them cross the mathematical bridge to more advanced studies in topics such as topology, abstract algebra, and real analysis. Carefully revised, expanded, and brought thoroughly up to date, the Elements of Advanced Mathematics, Second Edition now does the job even better, building the background, tools, and skills students need to meet the challenges of mathematical rigor, axiomatics, and proofs. New in the Second Edition: Expanded explanations of propositional, predicate, and first-order logic, especially valuable in theoretical computer science A chapter that explores the deeper properties of the real numbers, including topological issues and the Cantor set Fuller treatment of proof techniques with expanded discussions on induction, counting arguments, enumeration, and dissection Streamlined treatment of non-Euclidean geometry Discussions on partial orderings, total ordering, and well orderings that fit naturally into the context of relations More thorough treatment of the Axiom of Choice and its equivalents Additional material on Russell's paradox and related ideas Expanded treatment of group theory that helps students grasp the axiomatic method A wealth of added exercises

The Elements of Advanced Mathematics

This book has enjoyed considerable use and appreciation during its first four editions. With hundreds of students having learned out of early editions, the author continues to find ways to modernize and maintain a unique presentation. What sets the book apart is the excellent writing style, exposition, and unique and thorough sets of exercises. This edition offers a more instructive preface to assist instructors on developing the course they prefer. The prerequisites are more explicit and provide a roadmap for the course. Sample syllabi are included. As would be expected in a fifth edition, the overall content and structure of the book are sound. This new edition offers a more organized treatment of axiomatics. Throughout the book, there is a more careful and detailed treatment of the axioms of set theory. The rules of inference are more carefully elucidated. Additional new features include: An emphasis on the art of proof. Enhanced number theory chapter presents some easily accessible but still-unsolved problems. These include the Goldbach conjecture, the twin prime conjecture, and so forth. The discussion of equivalence relations is revised to present reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity before we define equivalence relations. The discussion of the RSA cryptosystem in Chapter 8 is expanded. The author introduces groups much earlier. Coverage of group theory, formerly in Chapter 11, has been moved up; this is an incisive example of an axiomatic theory. Recognizing new ideas, the author has enhanced the overall presentation to create a fifth edition of this classic and widely-used textbook.

The Elements of Advanced Mathematics