Difference between revisions of "Abstract algebra"

Revision as of 05:53, 20 February 2016

In mathematics, abstract algebra (occasionally called modern algebra) is the study of algebraic structures.

Algebraic structures include groups, rings, fields, modules, vector spaces, lattices, and algebras.

The term abstract algebra was coined in the early 20th century to distinguish this area of study from the other parts of algebra.

Algebraic structures, with their associated homomorphisms, form mathematical categories.

Category theory is a powerful formalism for analyzing and comparing different algebraic structures.

Universal algebra is a related subject that studies the nature and theories of various types of algebraic structures as a whole.

For example, universal algebra studies the overall theory of groups, as distinguished from studying particular groups.