The Laws of Algebra, an Elementary Course in Algebraic Theory (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Alfred George Cracknell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1330348516 ISBN 13: 9781330348512

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2016

Synopsis

Excerpt from The Laws of Algebra, an Elementary Course in Algebraic Theory

It has long been acknowledged that there is great need of an elementary account of the Laws of Algebra suitable for use in the senior classes of schools. The object of this little book is to meet that need: it makes, therefore, no pretence of expounding new ideas, but aims at a clear and simple statement of the rudiments of algebraic theory.

The recognised methods of teaching algebra in schools assume rightly that Formal Algebra and the Theory of Numbers are university subjects and quite beyond the mental range of the school boy. For this reason the various principles involved in algebraic methods are either demonstrated empirically or justified by various illustrations mostly of a geometrical nature.

In dealing with beginners this is inevitable. The danger is that the fundamental principles may remain for ever buried under the illustrations or distorted by irrelevant considerations. Many schoolboy will - with the full approval of his conscience - prove that a(b + c) - ab + ac from Euclid II. 1, and vice versa. Pure algebra is independent of geometry and at some period in the school career this ought to be emphasised by instruction in the elements of algebraic theory.

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Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1330348516
• ISBN 13: 9781330348512
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 78