Classical Algebra - Its Nature, Origins, and Uses : Its Nature, Origins, and Uses

This insightful book combines the history, pedagogy, and popularization of algebra to present a unified discussion of the subject. Classical Algebra provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, this book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra originally developed from classical algebraic precursors. This book successfully ties together the disconnect between classical and modern algebraand provides readers with answers to many fascinating questions that typically go unexamined, including: What is algebra about? How did it arise? What uses does it have? How did it develop? What problems and issues have occurred in its history? How were these problems and issues resolved? The author answers these questions and more, shedding light on a rich history of the subject—from ancient and medieval times to the present. Structured as eleven "lessons" that are intended to give the reader further insight on classical algebra, each chapter contains thought-provoking problems and stimulating questions, for which complete answers are provided in an appendix. Complemented with a mixture of historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout, Classical Algebra: Its Nature, Origins, and Uses is an excellent book for mathematics courses at the undergraduate level. It also serves as a valuable resource to anyone with a general interest in mathematics.

This insightful book combines the history, pedagogy, and popularization of algebra to present a unified discussion of the subject.

Classical Algebra provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, this book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra originally developed from classical algebraic precursors.

This book successfully ties together the disconnect between classical and modern algebraand provides readers with answers to many fascinating questions that typically go unexamined, including:

• What is algebra about?
• How did it arise?
• What uses does it have?
• How did it develop?
• What problems and issues have occurred in its history?
• How were these problems and issues resolved?

The author answers these questions and more, shedding light on a rich history of the subject—from ancient and medieval times to the present. Structured as eleven "lessons" that are intended to give the reader further insight on classical algebra, each chapter contains thought-provoking problems and stimulating questions, for which complete answers are provided in an appendix.

Complemented with a mixture of historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout, Classical Algebra: Its Nature, Origins, and Uses is an excellent book for mathematics courses at the undergraduate level. It also serves as a valuable resource to anyone with a general interest in mathematics.

"Classical Algebra provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, this book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra orginally developed from classical algebraic precursors." "Complemented with a mixture of historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout, this book is excellent for mathematics courses of the undergraduate level. It also serves as a valuable resource to anyone with a general interest in mathematics."--Résumé de l'éditeur "Classical Algebra provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, this book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra orginally developed from classical algebraic precursors." "Complemented with a mixture of historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout, this book is excellent for mathematics courses of the undergraduate level. It also serves as a valuable resource to anyone with a general interest in mathematics."--Jacket. "Classical Algebra provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, this book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra originally developed from classical algebraic precursors." "Complemented with a mixture of historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout, this book is excellent for mathematics courses of the undergraduate level. It also serves as a valuable resource to anyone with a general interest in mathematics."--Jacket This book provides a complete and contemporary perspective on classical polynomial algebra through the exploration of how it was developed and how it exists today. With a focus on prominent areas such as the numerical solutions of equations, the systematic study of equations, and Galois theory, the book facilitates a thorough understanding of algebra and illustrates how the concepts of modern algebra originally developed from classical algebraic precursors. It is complemented with historical remarks and analyses of polynomial equations throughout Cover......Page 0 Contents......Page 5 1......Page 13 2......Page 15 3......Page 28 4......Page 36 5......Page 43 6......Page 55 7......Page 64 8......Page 66 9......Page 72 10......Page 82 11......Page 84 12......Page 99 13......Page 114 14......Page 116 15......Page 131 16......Page 156 17......Page 165 18......Page 170 19......Page 200 20......Page 207