Symmetry is one of the most important organising principles in the natural sciences. The mathematical theory of symmetry has long been associated with group theory, but it is a basic premise of this book that there are aspects of symmetry which are more faithfully represented by a generalization of groups called inverse semigroups. The theory of inverse semigroups is described from its origins in the foundations of differential geometry through to its most recent applications in combinatorial group theory, and the theory tilings.

The theories of V. V. Wagner (1908-1981) on abstractions of systems of binary relations are presented here within their historical and mathematical contexts. This book contains the first translation from Russian into English of a selection of Wagner's papers, the ideas of which are connected to present-day mathematical research. Along with a translation of Wagner's main work in this area, his 1953 paper 'Theory of generalised heaps and generalised groups,' the book also includes translations of three short precursor articles that provide additional context for his major work. Researchers and students interested in both algebra (in particular, heaps, semiheaps, generalised heaps, semigroups, and groups) and differential geometry will benefit from the techniques offered by these translations, owing to the natural connections between generalised heaps and generalised groups, and the role played by these concepts in differential geometry. This book gives examples from present-day mathematics where ideas related to Wagner's have found fruitful applications.

Algebra & Geometry: An Introduction to University Mathematics, Second Edition provides a bridge between high school and undergraduate mathematics courses on algebra and geometry. The author shows students how mathematics is more than a collection of methods by presenting important ideas and their historical origins throughout the text. He incorporates a hands-on approach to proofs and connects algebra and geometry to various applications. The text focuses on linear equations, polynomial equations, and quadratic forms. The first few chapters cover foundational topics, including the importance of proofs and a discussion of the properties commonly encountered when studying algebra. The remaining chapters form the mathematical core of the book. These chapters explain the solutions of different kinds of algebraic equations, the nature of the solutions, and the interplay between geometry and algebra. New to the second edition Several updated chapters, plus an all-new chapter discussing the construction of the real numbers by means of approximations by rational numbers Includes fifteen short 'essays' that are accessible to undergraduate readers, but which direct interested students to more advanced developments of the material Expanded references Contains chapter exercises with solutions provided online at www.routledge.com/9780367563035

Algebra & Geometry: An Introduction to University Mathematics, Second Edition provides a bridge between high school and undergraduate mathematics courses on algebra and geometry. The author shows students how mathematics is more than a collection of methods by presenting important ideas and their historical origins throughout the text. He incorporates a hands-on approach to proofs and connects algebra and geometry to various applications. The text focuses on linear equations, polynomial equations, and quadratic forms. The first few chapters cover foundational topics, including the importance of proofs and a discussion of the properties commonly encountered when studying algebra. The remaining chapters form the mathematical core of the book. These chapters explain the solutions of different kinds of algebraic equations, the nature of the solutions, and the interplay between geometry and algebra. New to the second edition Several updated chapters, plus an all-new chapter discussing the construction of the real numbers by means of approximations by rational numbers Includes fifteen short 'essays' that are accessible to undergraduate readers, but which direct interested students to more advanced developments of the material Expanded references Contains chapter exercises with solutions provided online at www.routledge.com/9780367563035

Interest in finite automata theory continues to grow, not only because of its applications in computer science, but also because of more recent applications in mathematics, particularly group theory and symbolic dynamics. The subject itself lies on the boundaries of mathematics and computer science, and with a balanced approach that does justice to both aspects, this book provides a well-motivated introduction to the mathematical theory of finite automata. The first half of Finite Automata focuses on the computer science side of the theory and culminates in Kleene's Theorem, which the author proves in a variety of ways to suit both computer scientists and mathematicians. In the second half, the focus shifts to the mathematical side of the theory and constructing an algebraic approach to languages. Here the author proves two main results: Schutzenberger's Theorem on star-free languages and the variety theorem of Eilenberg and Schutzenberger. Accessible even to students with only a basic knowledge of discrete mathematics, this treatment develops the underlying algebra gently but rigorously, and nearly 200 exercises reinforce the concepts. Whether your students' interests lie in computer science or mathematics, the well organized and flexible presentation of Finite Automata provides a route to understanding that you can tailor to their particular tastes and abilities.

Interest in finite automata theory continues to grow, not only because of its applications in computer science, but also because of more recent applications in mathematics, particularly group theory and symbolic dynamics. The subject itself lies on the boundaries of mathematics and computer science, and with a balanced approach that does justice to both aspects, this book provides a well-motivated introduction to the mathematical theory of finite automata.

The first half of Finite Automata focuses on the computer science side of the theory and culminates in Kleene's Theorem, which the author proves in a variety of ways to suit both computer scientists and mathematicians. In the second half, the focus shifts to the mathematical side of the theory and constructing an algebraic approach to languages. Here the author proves two main results: Schützenberger's Theorem on star-free languages and the variety theorem of Eilenberg and Schützenberger.

Accessible even to students with only a basic knowledge of discrete mathematics, this treatment develops the underlying algebra gently but rigorously, and nearly 200 exercises reinforce the concepts. Whether your students' interests lie in computer science or mathematics, the well organized and flexible presentation of Finite Automata provides a route to understanding that you can tailor to their particular tastes and abilities.