Steven Schlicker

Ted Sundstrom

Jonathan K. Hodge

Abstract Algebra: An Inquiry-Based Approach, Second Edition not only teaches abstract algebra, but also provides a deeper understanding of what mathematics is, how it is done, and how mathematicians think. The second edition of this unique, flexible approach builds on the success of the first edition. The authors offer an emphasis on active learning, helping students learn algebra by gradually building both their intuition and their ability to write coherent proofs in context. The goals for this text include: Allowing the flexibility to begin the course with either groups or rings. Introducing the ideas behind definitions and theorems to help students develop intuition. Helping students understand how mathematics is done. Students will experiment through examples, make conjectures, and then refine or prove their conjectures. Assisting students in developing their abilities to effectively communicate mathematical ideas. Actively involving students in realizing each of these goals through in-class and out-of-class activities, common in-class intellectual experiences, and challenging problem sets. Changes in the Second Edition Streamlining of introductory material with a quicker transition to the material on rings and groups. New investigations on extensions of fields and Galois theory. New exercises added and some sections reworked for clarity. More online Special Topics investigations and additional Appendices, including new appendices on other methods of proof and complex roots of unity. Encouraging students to do mathematics and be more than passive learners, this text shows students the way mathematics is developed is often different than how it is presented; definitions, theorems, and proofs do not simply appear fully formed; mathematical ideas are highly interconnected; and in abstract algebra, there is a considerable amount of intuition to be found.

An Inquiry-Based Approach

Abstract Algebra

Mathematical Reasoning: Writing and Proof is a text for the ?rst college mathematics course that introduces students to the processes of constructing and writing proofs and focuses on the formal development of mathematics. The primary goals of the text are to help students: Develop logical thinking skills and to develop the ability to think more abstractly in a proof oriented setting; develop the ability to construct and write mathematical proofs using standard methods of mathematical proof including direct proofs, proof by contradiction, mathematical induction, case analysis, and counterexamples; develop the ability to read and understand written mathematical proofs; develop talents for creative thinking and problem solving; improve their quality of communication in mathematics. This includes improving writing techniques, reading comprehension, and oral communication in mathematics; better understand the nature of mathematics and its language. Another important goal of this text is to provide students with material that will be needed for their further study of mathematics. Important features of the book include: Emphasis on writing in mathematics; instruction in the process of constructing proofs; emphasis on active learning.There are no changes in content between Version 2.0 and previous versions of the book. The only change is that the appendix with answers and hints for selected exercises now contains solutions and hints for more exercises.

Writing and Proof Version 2.0

Mathematical Reasoning

This college level trigonometry text may be different than most other trigonometry textbooks. In this book, the reader is expected to do more than read the book but is expected to study the material in the book by working out examples rather than just reading about them. So the book is not just about mathematical content (although it does contain important topics in trigonometry needed for further study in mathematics), but it is also about the process of learning and doing mathematics and is designed not to be just casually read but rather to be engaged. Recognizing that actively studying a mathematics book is often not easy, several features of the textbook have been designed to help students become more engaged as they study the material. Some of the features are: Beginning activities in each section that engage students with the material to be introduced, focus questions that help students stay focused on what is important in the section, progress checks that are short exercises or activities that replace the standard examples in most textbooks, a section summary, and appendices with answers for the progress checks and selected exercises.

Ted Sundstrom

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