A First Course in Abstract Algebra, 7e

DETAILS : 

• Author : Fraleigh John
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pearson India
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2003
  
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 7th
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 460 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 933251903X
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9332519039
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 700 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

A First Course in Abstract Algebra by John B. Fraleigh is a foundational pillar of undergraduate mathematics worldwide. It is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and student-friendly introductions to the rigorous world of algebraic structures. Fraleigh’s pedagogical approach is "bottom-up," focusing on building intuition before diving into the high-level abstractions of modern algebra.

The book covers the essential trinity of abstract algebra:

• Groups: The study of symmetry, permutations, and cyclic structures.
• Rings: Systems that support both addition and multiplication, leading into the study of polynomials.
• Fields: The foundation for understanding number systems and Galois Theory, which elegantly explains why there is no general solution for quintic equations.

The text is famous for its clear, conversational tone and its "Historical Notes" section, which humanizes the mathematics by profiling the brilliant, and often tragic, lives of mathematicians like Abel and Galois. Its extensive exercise sets range from basic computations to challenging proofs, making it ideal for both beginners and those preparing for graduate study.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John B. Fraleigh is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his graduate degree from Princeton University and spent his career perfecting the art of mathematical pedagogy.

Fraleigh is noted for his ability to deconstruct complex, intimidating theories into logical, bite-sized concepts. His work has influenced generations of mathematicians, and his textbook remains a staple because it strikes a rare balance: it is rigorous enough for a math major but clear enough for an interested scientist or engineer. Aside from algebra, he has also authored popular texts on linear algebra and calculus.