Abstract Algebra and Topology

Forum for the GRE subject test in mathematics.
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GREMATH
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:17 pm

Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by GREMATH » Sat Jan 22, 2011 8:38 pm

Hi,

I want to take the GRE MATH subject test.
I am currently studying the Princeton Review book. As I am a student with engineering background, I have not taken any courses in Abstract Algebra and Topology. I found these two topics difficult in the mentioned book. I have no problem with the other topics.

Do you have any tip for me( for example another book), so I can increase my knowledge in the mentioned areas in the following days before the GRE test day.

thank you very much,

MattW
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 6:34 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by MattW » Sat Jan 22, 2011 9:26 pm

Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications is a nice, free textbook. I read it alongside the required text for my abstract algebra course, and found that it did just as nice of a job. I haven't tried any of the problems though, so no comment there.
http://abstract.ups.edu/

owlpride
Posts: 204
Joined: Fri Jan 29, 2010 2:01 am

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by owlpride » Sun Jan 23, 2011 8:21 pm

Have you taken a real GRE Math practice exam (not the Princeton Review one)? You might notice that there are very few abstract algebra and topology questions on the exam. You can leave every single one of them blank and still earn a top score, as long as your performance on the rest of the exam is strong.

My advice: first focus on the areas that you are already familiar with. When you can comfortably answer all of the GRE questions in that area, then - and only then - move on to unknown territory. Don't waste 20 hours studying topology only to add 10 points to your score. Not a good use of your time.

GREMATH
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:17 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by GREMATH » Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:44 am

MattW wrote:Abstract Algebra: Theory and Applications is a nice, free textbook. I read it alongside the required text for my abstract algebra course, and found that it did just as nice of a job. I haven't tried any of the problems though, so no comment there.
http://abstract.ups.edu/

Thank you very much for the book.

GREMATH
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:17 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by GREMATH » Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:49 am

owlpride wrote:Have you taken a real GRE Math practice exam (not the Princeton Review one)? You might notice that there are very few abstract algebra and topology questions on the exam. You can leave every single one of them blank and still earn a top score, as long as your performance on the rest of the exam is strong.

My advice: first focus on the areas that you are already familiar with. When you can comfortably answer all of the GRE questions in that area, then - and only then - move on to unknown territory. Don't waste 20 hours studying topology only to add 10 points to your score. Not a good use of your time.
I have not taken a real GRE Mat practice exam. I am about to do that in near future. I think there are about 4 or 5 questions from these two topics in the GRE which is about 30 or 40 grades.

thank you for your advice.

fleazo
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:02 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by fleazo » Wed Apr 06, 2011 1:05 pm

I wanted to add that Topology: Pure and Applied by Adams & Franzosa is a great introductory text on Topology. I think the first few chapters would be good to get the basics of topology. I got my copy on abebooks for around 10 bucks or so, so it's not too expensive. Also, topology is awesome :mrgreen: you don't want to miss out!

ch628496
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:06 am

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by ch628496 » Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:40 am

"General topology"
Waclaw Sierpinski
translated and revised by C. Cecilia Krieger
2000

QA 611 . S 47 2000

ISBN 0-486-411148-6

ch628496
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:06 am

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by ch628496 » Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:42 am

"Algebra"

Artin

2004

ISBN 0-13-004763-5

freeabelian
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 5:35 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by freeabelian » Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:41 pm

Honestly, I cannot think of a single bigger time waster than trying to learn algebra for this silly test from ARTIN.

That's like trying to blow out your birthday candles with a snowblower. Probably a snowblower you don't yet know how to operate, since you said you were an engineer.

danieloliveira56
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2016 7:37 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by danieloliveira56 » Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:12 am

What would be a better suggestion for studying Abstract Algebra then? Is there any Abstract Algebra book like Stewart's Calculus or Strang's Linear Algebra, easier to read and with lots of exercises?

About not studying Algebra or Topology, it all depends on your rate of correct answers in the remaining subjects. In order to get a score of 800, with a rate of 80% correct answers, you would need to attempt at least 63 questions, getting 13 wrong (50 - 13/4 = 47).

FrederickQin
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 9:26 pm

Re: Abstract Algebra and Topology

Post by FrederickQin » Tue Sep 13, 2016 5:07 pm

I would like to suggest Herstein's Topics in Algebra. It's a very mild introduction book for abstract algebra with clear expositions.



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