Introduction to Algebra

Developed to meet the needs of modern students this Second Edition of the classic algebra text by Peter Cameron covers all the abstract algebra an undergraduate student is likely to need. Starting with an introductory overview of numbers sets and functions matrices polynomials and modular arithmetic the text then introduces the most important algebraic structures: groups rings and fields and their properties. This is followed by coverage of vector spaces and modules with applications to abelian groups and canonical forms before returning to the construction of the number systems including the existence of transcendental numbers. The final chapters take the reader further into the theory of groups rings and fields coding theory and Galois theory. With over 300 exercises and web-based solutions this is an ideal introductory text for Year 1 and 2 undergraduate students in mathematics.