Algebra Definition and 999 Threads

Algebra (from Arabic: الجبر‎, romanized: al-jabr, lit. 'reunion of broken parts, bonesetting') is one of the broad areas of mathematics, together with number theory, geometry and analysis. In its most general form, algebra is the study of mathematical symbols and the rules for manipulating these symbols; it is a unifying thread of almost all of mathematics. It includes everything from elementary equation solving to the study of abstractions such as groups, rings, and fields. The more basic parts of algebra are called elementary algebra; the more abstract parts are called abstract algebra or modern algebra. Elementary algebra is generally considered to be essential for any study of mathematics, science, or engineering, as well as such applications as medicine and economics. Abstract algebra is a major area in advanced mathematics, studied primarily by professional mathematicians.
Elementary algebra differs from arithmetic in the use of abstractions, such as using letters to stand for numbers that are either unknown or allowed to take on many values. For example, in



x
+
2
=
5


{\displaystyle x+2=5}
the letter



x


{\displaystyle x}
is an unknown, but applying additive inverses can reveal its value:



x
=
3


{\displaystyle x=3}
. Algebra gives methods for writing formulas and solving equations that are much clearer and easier than the older method of writing everything out in words.
The word algebra is also used in certain specialized ways. A special kind of mathematical object in abstract algebra is called an "algebra", and the word is used, for example, in the phrases linear algebra and algebraic topology.
A mathematician who does research in algebra is called an algebraist.

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  1. JD_PM

    Statements about linear maps | Linear Algebra

    First thing to notice is that ##L## and ##L \circ L## are precisely equal linear maps. What we know $$L \ \text{is injective} \iff \ker(L)=\{0\}$$ $$\ker L' = \{ x \in \Im(L) \ | \ L'(x)=0\}$$ $$\Im(L)=\{ x \in V \ | \ \exists \ v \in V \ \text{such that} \ L(v)=x\}$$ Besides, we notice...
  2. N

    MHB Abstract algebra: i need examples of ...

    please offer me examples of: a) 3 vector spaces over the same field; and b) the same vector space over 3 fields.
  3. S

    A A problem in multilinear algebra

    I have the following problem in multilinear algebra: Let ##W## and ##V## be real finite-dimensional vector spaces, ##V^*## is the dual space of ##V## Let ##L:W \times V \rightarrow \mathbb{R}## be a non-degenerate bilinear map Define ##g:W \rightarrow V^*## by ##g(w)(v)=L(w,v)## To prove: ##g##...
  4. JD_PM

    Finding a complementary subspace ##U## | Linear Algebra

    We only worry about finite vector spaces here. I have been taught that a subspace ##W## of a vector space ##V## has a complementary subspace ##U## if ##V = U \oplus W##. Besides, I understand that, given a finite vectorspace ##(\Bbb R, V, +)##, any subspace ##U## of ##V## has a complementary...
  5. JD_PM

    Given subspaces ##U \& W##, show they are equal | Linear Algebra

    Show that ##U = span \{ (1, 2, 3), (-1, 2, 9)\}## and ##W = \{ (x, y, z) \in \Bbb R^3 | z-3y +3x = 0\}## are equal. I have the following strategy in mind: determine the dimension of subspaces ##U## and ##W## separately and then make use of the fact ##dim U = dim W \iff U=W##. For ##U## I would...
  6. A

    Linear Algebra - LU Factorization

    Hello all, I have a problem related to LU Factorization with my work following it. Would anyone be willing to provide feedback on if my work is a correct approach/answer and help if it needs more work? Thanks in advance. Problem: Work:
  7. S

    Quantum Tensor networks and tensor algebra

    I'm looking for literature recommendations regarding tensor networks. I never came across singular value decomposition or spectral decomposition in my linear algebra classes, so I need to brush up on the relevant mathematical background as well.
  8. JD_PM

    Proving statements about matrices | Linear Algebra

    Hi guys! :) I was solving some linear algebra true/false (i.e. prove the statement or provide a counterexample) questions and got stuck in the following a) There is no ##A \in \Bbb R^{3 \times 3}## such that ##A^2 = -\Bbb I_3## (typo corrected) I think this one is true, as there is no squared...
  9. lilyhachi

    Proving Roots: Formula for Solving Quadratic Equations

    Summary:: Hi guys, i can't seem to get the correct answer. I'm wondering where did I do wrong. Can someone help me to solve this? I think I need the correct formula to prove the answer :( Given a root to 𝑥² + 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞 = 0 is twice the multiple of another. Show that 2𝑝² = 9𝑞. The roots for 𝑥² +...
  10. LCSphysicist

    I Unit Norm Axis Rotation in R3: Exploring Representation & Algebra

    Now, i am extremelly confused about all this thing. More preciselly, i can't understand how 1.29 was obtained. It was used the A representation? How do he uses it? There is something to do with the canonical basis?
  11. Rabindranath

    I Meaning of terms in a direct sum decomposition of an algebra

    Let's say I want to study subalgebras of the indefinite orthogonal algebra ##\mathfrak{o}(m,n)## (corresponding to the group ##O(m,n)##, with ##m## and ##n## being some positive integers), and am told that it can be decomposed into the direct sum $$\mathfrak{o}(m,n) = \mathfrak{o}(m-x,n-x)...
  12. F

    MHB Prove that the algebra generated is dense

    Hello I have problems with this exercise Prove that the algebra generated by the set $S = \{ 1,x^2 \}$ is dense in $C [0, 1]$. It is $S$ dense in $C [-1; 1]$ I am thinking to apply Stone-weierstrass theorem but I don't know how to use it properly. Thanks
  13. J

    Foundations Klein's Encyclopedia: Is an English Translation Possible?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein%27s_Encyclopedia_of_Mathematical_Sciences Originals are in German or French, the Japanese version cut all the historical content :( Do you think that some day we will see this published in English? Size is big, 20k pages, but it cannot be more interesting I...
  14. F

    Linear Algebra What are good books for a third course in Linear Algebra?

    What are the suitable books in linear algebra for third course for self-study after reading Linear Algebra done right by Axler and Algebra by Artin?
  15. S

    Linear Algebra uniqueness of solution

    My guess is that since there are no rows in a form of [0000b], the system is consistent (the system has a solution). As the first column is all 0s, x1 would be a free variable. Because the system with free variable have infinite solution, the solution is not unique. In this way, the matrix is...
  16. F

    Linear Algebra What are good second course books in linear algebra for self-study?

    What are best second course(undergraduate) books in linear algebra for self-study?I have already read Introduction to Linear Algebra by Lang.
  17. D

    I Commutative algebra and differential geometry

    In Miles Reid's book on commutative algebra, he says that, given a ring of functions on a space X, the space X can be recovered from the maximal or prime ideals of that ring. How does this work?
  18. F

    A Infinite-Dimensional Lie Algebra

    Let ##\mathfrak{A}:=\operatorname{span}\left\{D_n:=x^n\dfrac{d}{dx}\, : \,n\in \mathbb{Z}\right\}## and ##\mathfrak{B}:=\operatorname{span}\left\{E_n:=x^n\dfrac{d}{dx}\, : \,n\in \mathbb{N}_0\right\}## with the usual commutation rule. My question is: How can we prove or disprove the Lie algebra...
  19. PeroK

    Simple Induction Interesting Algebra Problem

    I found this interesting video from Presh Talwalkar: Problem Statement. If: $$x + y + z = 1$$$$x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 2$$$$x^3 + y^3 + z^3 = 3$$ Then, find the value of the higher powers such as $$x^5 + y^5 + z^5$$ The solution posted there uses the full Girard-Newton Identities. Here is an...
  20. C

    Proving Poincare Algebra Using Differential Expression of Generator

    Using differential expressions for the generator, verify the commutator expression for ##[J_{\mu\nu},P_{\rho}]=i(\eta_{\mu\rho}P_{\nu}-\eta_{\nu\rho}P_{\mu})## in Poincare group Generator of translation: ##P_{\rho}=-i\partial_{\rho}## Generator of rotation...
  21. appletree23

    Help with linear algebra: vectorspace and subspace

    So the reason why I'm struggling with both of the problems is because I find vector spaces and subspaces hard to understand. I have read a lot, but I'm still confussed about these tasks. 1. So for problem 1, I can first tell you what I know about subspaces. I understand that a subspace is a...
  22. Mr Davis 97

    Algebra word problem about planning a concert

    This seems like a simple problem, but I am a little confused by a few things. For one, what is the use of the piece of information that when they charged $100 per person they got 3000 people to come? Also, how should I proceed with the information "for every $2 decrease in price they would have...
  23. DartomicTech

    Prerequisites for the textbook "Linear Algebra" (2nd Edition)?

    Summary:: What pre-requisites are required in order to learn the textbook "Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) 2nd Edition by Kenneth M Hoffman (Author), Ray Kunze (Author)" Sorry if this is the wrong section to ask what the title and subject state. I read some of chapter 1 already, and that all...
  24. A

    Linear algebra projections commutativity

    Textbook answer: "If P1P2 = P2P1 then S is contained in T or T is contained in S." My query: If P1 = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \end{pmatrix}and P2 =\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \end{pmatrix} as far as I...
  25. SebastianRM

    Cannot understand author fully - Turbomachines

    I am reading a book of Fundamental Energy Systems. The author describes the rate of change in head for a turbomachine as: $$ \frac{1}{2}[(V_1^2-V_2^2)+(U_1^2-U_2^2)+(V_{R2}^2-V_{R1}^2)] = H =U_1V_{u1} - U_2V_{u2} $$ and the static effect as: $$SE =(U_1^2-U_2^2)+(V_{R2}^2-V_{R1}^2) $$ However...
  26. P

    I don't understand the algebra in this answer

    Why does Δ(BA) = AΔ(B) when A is constant? Is there a proof for this algebra? Thanks
  27. Eclair_de_XII

    Am I using quotient spaces correctly in this linear algebra proof?

    %%% Assume that ##X/Y## is defined. Since ##\dim Y = \dim X##, it follows that ##\dim {X/Y}=0## and that ##X/Y=\{0\}##. Suppose that ##Y## is a proper subspace of ##X##. Then there is an ##x\in X## such that ##x\notin Y##. Let us consider the equivalence class: ##\{x\}_Y=\{x_0\in...
  28. J

    Prove that Casimir operators commute with the elements of Lie algebra

    I want to show that ##[C, a_{r}] = 0##. This means that: $$ Ca_{r} - a_{r}C = \sum_{i,j} g_{ij}a_{i}a_{j}a_{r} - a_{r}\sum_{i,j} g_{ij}a_{i}a_{j} = 0$$ I don't understand what manipulating I can do here. I have tried to rewrite ##g_{ij}## in terms of the structure...
  29. S

    Linear Algebra I need textbook recommendations to learn linear algebra by myself

    Hi PF community, recently i learned about Calculus in one variables and several, so now i'd like to study linear algebra by myself in a undergraduate level, in order to do that i need some textbooks recommendations. I'll be waiting for your recommendations :).
  30. sahilmm15

    B A problem involving direction cosines (Vector Algebra)

    In the below figure how triangle OAP is right angled. I have imagined everything but I cannot imagine angle A as right angled. Thanks!
  31. F

    Deriving Casimir operator from the Lie Algebra of the Lorentz Group

    Hello everyone, I am new here, so please let me know if I am doing something wrong regarding the formatting or the way I am asking for help. I did not really know how to start off, so first I tried to just write out all the ##\mu \nu \rho \sigma## combinations for which ##\epsilon \neq 0## and...
  32. LCSphysicist

    I Poincaré algebra and quotient group

    I see that the first four equations are definitions. The problem is about the dimensions of the quotient. Why does the set Kx forms a six dimensional Lie algebra?
  33. V

    A Adjoint representation and spinor field valued in the Lie algebra

    I'm following the lecture notes by https://www.thphys.uni-heidelberg.de/~weigand/QFT2-14/SkriptQFT2.pdf. On page 169, section 6.2 he is briefly touching on the non-abelian gauge symmetry in the SM. The fundamental representation makes sense to me. For example, for ##SU(3)##, we define the...
  34. L

    In algebra what does x represent?

    Can i call "x" an unknown object that varies ?
  35. M

    Help me with this Algebra problem please (quotient of complex numbers)

    Below is the problem and the correct answer for this algebra problem is 7√2. But I cannot get to the correct answer.
  36. K

    Linear algebra inner products, self adjoint operator,unitary operation

    b) c and d): In c) I say that ##L_h## is only self adjoint if the imaginary part of h is 0, is this correct? e) Here I could only come up with eigenvalues when h is some constant say C, then C is an eigenvalue. But I' can't find two.Otherwise does b-d above look correct? Thanks in advance!
  37. A

    MHB Help? Algebra 2 Math - Solve X,Y,Z

    The sum of three numbers is 95. The second number is 5 more than the first. The third number is 3 times the second. What are the numbers?
  38. M

    MHB Prove that the statement is always true using the rules of boolean algebra

    Hey! 😊 I want to prove by using the rules of boolean algebra that the following statement is always true $$\{b\land [\neg a\Rightarrow \neg b]\} \Rightarrow a$$ Since we have to use the rules of boolean algebra, we cannot use the truth table, right? Could you give me a hint how we could...
  39. J

    What are the key topics in Advanced Calculus and Algebraic Geometry?

    Hello, I am a very experienced Mathematician with a BSc Honours degree in Mathematics and one year MSc studies in Operational Research in Sussex and London Universities respectively. I am interested in Advanced Calculus, Algebras, Positivity in Algebraic Geometry, The standard Model, and many...
  40. chwala

    Elementary algebra: find the value of x

    ##\frac {7}{2x+2}=\frac {4x-3}{-2x-2}## ##-7(2x+2)=(4x-3)(2x+2)## ##x^2+2x+1=0## ##x=1## or ##x=-1## can we also have; ##-7=4x-3## can the ##2x+2## cancel out? i am a bit mixed up on this very simple problem...and why am i getting false on my ti nsipre...
  41. LCSphysicist

    Linear algebra invertible transformation of coordinates

    ##A^{x'} = T(A^{x})##, where T is a linear transformation, in such way maybe i could express the transformation as a changing of basis from x to x' matrix: ##A^{x} = T_{mn}(A^{x'})##, in such conditions, i could say det ##T_{mn} \neq 0##. But how to deal with, for example, ##(x,y) -> (e^x,e^y)## ?
  42. M

    Mastering Buffon's Coin Algebra with Simple Algebraic Problem Solving Techniques

    I seem to have stuck with this simple algebra problem.$$ \frac {(L - 2.r)^2 } { L^2} = 1/2 $$ $$ 2( L^2 + 4r^2 - 4rL) = L^2 $$ $$ L^2 + 8 r^2 - 8r L = 0 $$ $$ (L - 2 \sqrt 2 r )^2 = 8rL - 4\sqrt 2. rL $$ $$ (L - 2 \sqrt 2 r )^2 = 4rL. (2 -\sqrt 2) $$ I don't...
  43. B

    A Geometry of matrix Dirac algebra

    Indeed, if we take a vector field which dual to the covector field formed by the gradient from a quadratic interval of an 8-dimensional space with a Euclidean metric, then the Lie algebra of linear vector fields orthogonal (in neutral metric) to this vector field is isomorphic to the...
  44. E

    MHB Resource for learning linear algebra

    I want to take some courses that involve heavy math, so I have been learning maths on the khan academy site: precalculus, calculus, statistics etc. But one fundamental area of maths the khan academy site doesn't have is a course on linear algebra. I really need to learn and use linear algebra in...
  45. K

    I Trying to get a better understanding of the quotient V/U in linear algebra

    Hi! I want to check if i have understood concepts regarding the quotient U/V correctly or not. I have read definitions that ##V/U = \{v + U : v ∈ V\}## . U is a subspace of V. But v + U is also defined as the set ##\{v + u : u ∈ U\}##. So V/U is a set of sets is this the correct understanding...
  46. K

    Linear algebra, find a basis for the quotient space

    Let V = C[x] be the vector space of all polynomials in x with complex coefficients and let ##W = \{p(x) ∈ V: p (1) = p (−1) = 0\}##. Determine a basis for V/W The solution of this problem that i found did the following: Why do they choose the basis to be {1+W, x + W} at the end? I mean since...
  47. L

    MHB Connecting linear algebra concepts to groups

    The options are rank(B)+null(B)=n tr(ABA^{−1})=tr(B) det(AB)=det(A)det(B) I'm thinking that since it's invertible, I would focus on the determinant =/= 0. I believe the first option is out, because null (B) would be 0 which won't be helpful. The second option makes the point that AA^{−1} is I...
  48. T

    Unraveling a Confusing Algebra Problem: My Step-by-Step Solution

    This is the question: This is what I did. I have no other idea what else I can do to solve this confusing problem.
  49. MexChemE

    My first proof ever - Linear algebra

    First, a little context. It's been a while since I last posted here. I am a chemical engineer who is currently preparing for grad school, and I've been reviewing linear algebra and multivariable calculus for the last couple of months. I have always been successful at math (at least in the...
  50. U

    Other Which Introductory Linear Algebra Book Is Best for Aspiring Engineers?

    Hello I am looking for an introductory linear algebra book. I attend university next year so I want to prepare and I want to become an engineer. I have a good background in the prerequisites, except I don't know anything about matrices or determinants. I am looking for the more application side...
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