Thread: Simple Group Theory

Are there any websites that explain how a person could learn the language

and simple meaning of groups (symmetry) for easy understanding,

maybe an online mathematics game or something?

Google

Originally Posted by pickslides

Google

I think that is, quite frankly, a rude and unhelpful answer. The OP is, essentially, wanting a decent resource and I do not think a google search is a good way of finding such a thing. Thus, they asked here. If they had asked for a book people would offer suggestions, so what really is the difference?

Now, as an answer to the question, I do not believe a resource in the form of a game exists (although perhaps a google search would throw one up?.........). However, there are many intriguing beginner books in this area!

As a text book, I can (personally) recommend a book entitled `Abstract Algebra: Groups, Rings and Fields' by Perry. It gives a nice overview to the whole area of abstract algebra, not just to groups.

If you are interested in groups as a way of looking at symmetry, this book looks interesting. It deals with group actions early on, and group actions are the things you are wanting to look at - a group acts on a set and it is these actions that are the symmetry that sort of `define' groups. It's what makes them interesting (in some peoples opinions, anyway).

Originally Posted by Swlabr

I think that is, quite frankly, a rude and unhelpful answer. The OP is, essentially, wanting a decent resource and I do not think a google search is a good way of finding such a thing. Thus, they asked here. If they had asked for a book people would offer suggestions, so what really is the difference?

Hi Swlabr, I respect your response, I can see how that may have come across a little cold.

You are correct in saying the OP needed a more detailed kick start, but my response may have done the trick? The poster may be relatively new to the world wide web and not considered a simple google search. The OP is clearly at the beginning of his/her journey into group theory and google will return lots of great papers and Youtube clips introducing the topic at minimal cost.

If the poster asked a more direct question on the topic i.e. "prove a given set is a group and commutes or is closed under a certain operation etc, etc..." a more detailed reply would've been given.

*extends olive branch*

Originally Posted by pickslides

Hi Swlabr, I respect your response, I can see how that may have come across a little cold.

You are correct in saying the OP needed a more detailed kick start, but my response may have done the trick? The poster may be relatively new to the world wide web and not considered a simple google search. The OP is clearly at the beginning of his/her journey into group theory and google will return lots of great papers and Youtube clips introducing the topic at minimal cost.

If the poster asked a more direct question on the topic i.e. "prove a given set is a group and commutes or is closed under a certain operation etc, etc..." a more detailed reply would've been given.

*extends olive branch*

I think in todays world it is somewhat naïve to assume someone is relatively new to the internet. My gran is in he late 80s and she uses it!

However, I will tentatively accept your olive branch. But only because I like the feel of smoothed olive wood...

Originally Posted by Swlabr

I think in todays world it is somewhat naïve to assume someone is relatively new to the internet. My gran is in he late 80s and she uses it!

It's horses for courses, my mum is 20+ years younger than your Gran and she can't find the power button!

Originally Posted by Swlabr

However, I will tentatively accept your olive branch. But only because I like the feel of smoothed olive wood...

Sounds good to me..