In order to prepare for a course in abstract algebra follow these steps,
(1) Familiarize yourself with ℝ,ℤ,ℚ,ℂ.
-Understand how arithmetic operations such as work in generality.
(2) Get used to modular arithmetic now if you haven't done so already.
-this will help you understand how congruences in different mods work.
(3) Definitions are you friend.
-As it has been stated before, "you will not just stumble onto a proof in
abstract algebra.
(4) Review basic number theory concepts such as gcd, lcm, divisors, prime factorization.
-This will help when dealing with the euclidean algorithm and much more.
(5) Be comfortable with the binomial theorem.
-This will help when you need to derive multiple angle formulas.
Lastly, just get an old syllabus and really try to understand the definitions. Play with them and do a lot of examples.
manpreet
Best Answer
2 years ago
I've taken calculus through multivariable and a calculus-based statistics class. However, I struggled with some of the proof stuff in Calc II, and I'm seeing now that that's probably going to burn me unless I get it fixed before classes start again in January. I'm pretty nervous for it.
Are there things I should review in preparation? How do you even get better at proofs? My class will be using A Book of Abstract Algebra, Second Edition by Pinter.