Math 470
Topics in Algebra: Galois Theory
Instructor: Joshua Holden
Office: G207
Office Phone: 877-8320
E-mail: holden@rose-hulman.edu
Web Page: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~holden
Description
What is the difference between √(-1) and -√(-1)? Is
it the same as the difference between √2 and
-√2? What about √(-2) and
-√(-2)? Can we describe all of these differences
systematically? And what does this have to do with
solving quintic equations?
Or constructing the regular 17-gon?
Or trisecting the angle?
Requirements
The prerequisite for this class is Abstract Algebra (Math 376).
A course in group theory or abstract algebra from some other
school will probably be just fine. If you have picked up some group
theory from other classes (such as DISCO, cryptography, or coding
theory) come see me and we'll talk.
Note that the class is
currently scheduled for 9th hour, but there's been some discussion
of
moving it. If you are interested but can't take it 9th hour,
please
let me know!
Josh's home
page.