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Do formulas exist for the solution to algebraical equations in one variable of any degree like the formulas for quadratic equations? The main aim of this book is to give new geometrical proof of Abel's theorem, as proposed by Professor V.I. Arnold. The theorem states that for general algebraical equations of a degree higher than 4, there are no formulas representing roots of these equations in terms of coefficients with only arithmetic operations and radicals.
A secondary, and more important aim of this book, is to acquaint the reader with two very important branches of modern mathematics: group theory and theory of functions of a complex variable.
This book also has the added bonus of an extensive appendix devoted to the differential Galois theory, written by Professor A.G. Khovanskii.
As this text has been written assuming no specialist prior knowledge and is composed of definitions, examples, problems and solutions, it is suitable for self-study or teaching students of mathematics, from high school to graduate.
List of contents
From the contents:
Preface for the English edition; V.I. Arnold.- Preface.- Introduction.- 1: Groups.- 2: The complex numbers.- 3: Hints, Solutions and Answers.- Appendix. Solvability of equations by explicit formulae; A. Khovanskii.- Bibliography.- Appendix; V.I. Arnold.- Index.
Summary
Do formulas exist for the solution to algebraical equations in one variable of any degree like the formulas for quadratic equations? The main aim of this book is to give new geometrical proof of Abel's theorem, as proposed by Professor V.I. Arnold. The theorem states that for general algebraical equations of a degree higher than 4, there are no formulas representing roots of these equations in terms of coefficients with only arithmetic operations and radicals.
A secondary, and more important aim of this book, is to acquaint the reader with two very important branches of modern mathematics: group theory and theory of functions of a complex variable.
This book also has the added bonus of an extensive appendix devoted to the differential Galois theory, written by Professor A.G. Khovanskii.
As this text has been written assuming no specialist prior knowledge and is composed of definitions, examples, problems and solutions, it is suitable for self-study or teaching students of mathematics, from high school to graduate.
Additional text
From the reviews:
"This very special and brilliant text has been written for bright non-specialists in mathematics, but it leads the reader up to topical research problems in the field, and that in a masterly manner. The book is absolutely self-contained, in its own particular fashion, and it is therefore perfectly suited for self-study, ranging from advanced high school to graduate level. No doubt, the thorough and serious working with this outstanding text could turn very beginners into creative almost-experts in the field." (Werner Kleinert, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1065 (16), 2005)
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From the reviews:
"This very special and brilliant text has been written for bright non-specialists in mathematics, but it leads the reader up to topical research problems in the field, and that in a masterly manner. The book is absolutely self-contained, in its own particular fashion, and it is therefore perfectly suited for self-study, ranging from advanced high school to graduate level. No doubt, the thorough and serious working with this outstanding text could turn very beginners into creative almost-experts in the field." (Werner Kleinert, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1065 (16), 2005)
