I'm trying to self teach Group Theory. What books should I get for this? Also what should I know going into it?
I've been exposed to boolean logic but I have followed the standard math progression.(almost done with multivar calc)
>pic unrelated
>>7663892
http://www.amazon.com/Groups-Symmetry-Undergraduate-Texts-Mathematics/dp/0387966757
>>7663918
Also Visual Group Theory by Nathan Carter
>>7663892
Lang's Algebra
If you want to get really into it really quickly, go for groups, then rings, fields, etc. then straight into Galois theory.
>>7664212
This man is a troll, he will only bring you pain and suffering
>>7663892
Helgasson
>>7663892
You don't need much for group theory other than maybe linear algebra and the logic behind basic proofs. Abstract algebra is fairly easy stuff.
← this
>>7664270
>Abstract algebra is fairly easy stuff.
kek
PINTER
DON'T FUCKING LISTEN TO THESE MORONS WHO RECOMMEND SHIT BOOKS
JUST GET PINTER
PUBLISHED BY BASED DOVER
>>7663892
Best text on the subject I've read yet.
>>7664444
he's not wrong though. learning group theory the first time is really easy if you already know proofs and linear algebra
>>7664285
That cover... fuck me if someone has been paid for that design...
>>7664519
one person got paid once and then they used the template on every book
>>7664218
Is this the book with the exercise that just says "pick up any book on homological algebra and prove all of the theorems?"
>>7664444
Most group theory at least is
Dummit and Foote's Algebra
Use Pinter's Algebra and Judson's Abstract Algebra for reference.
>>7664462
pinter is shit
dude read the wikipedia article it's like 4 rules
>>7663892
I don't believe you Todd
>>7664218
I actually thought it was a really good book. It's nice and compact. Just follow it through with a bit of pen and paper to make sure you understand all the exposition, do the exercises, and you're golden.
>>7664522
Okay he does say that in an old edition but I interpreted it as a joke.
If Lang is too harsh for a beginner maybe Hungerford would be good. Dummit & Foote is also good.
>>7663892
If you're learning group theory to get a feel for the subject and real mathematics in general then >>7663918, >>7663923, or "Groups and Their Graphs" by Grossman and Magnus will be a good fit for you. They are typically the books used for freshman group theory seminars.
If by chance you want to actually learn undergrad level abstract algebra, study proofs first and then get Artin's "Algebra" and/or Herstein's "Topics in Algebra". The subject gets fairly abstract/difficult quite fast so I wouldn't recommend jumping in without practicing abstract mathematical reasoning beforehand.
>>7664444
Consider what he'll be reading about for the first little while as he studies group theory. It's a really fucking gentle start.
>>7665744
This is solid advice. If you choose to go through Artin (great book, I still keep it around for reference), don't feel as of you have to go through and read every section. You should skip the linear algebra if you're already comfortable with it.
>>7664462
This desu. Best introductory book.
