MA1006 ALGEBRA MARK GRANT University of Aberdeen Contents 1. Introduction1 2. Polynomial equations5 3. Introduction to complex numbers 12 4. The geometry of complex numbers 20 5. De Moivre’s Theorem 26 6. Systems of linear equations 34 7. Determinants 44 8. Algebra of matrices 51 9. Geometry of matrices 61 10. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors 74 11. Diagonalization and diagonalizability 83 1. Introduction The term algebra (derived from the Arabic word al-jebr meaning “reunion of broken parts") is used to describe a wide variety of math- ematical techniques and disciplines. In its most elementary form, algebra involves the manipulation of symbols. It is characterised by the use of letters (such as x or y) to denote numbers whose value is not yet known, or variables. However algebra is a far-reaching and important current area of research in modern mathematics. In ab- stract algebra, sets with additional structure (such as groups, rings or fields) are studied and classified. In this course we will focus on the parts of elementary algebra which are useful in solving equations. These techniques are vital for doing Mathematics and most branches of Science or Engineering. E-mail address:
[email protected]. 1 2 MARK GRANT We will be naturally led to consider complex numbers, matrices and vectors, and their associated geometry. 1.1. What is a number? If you catch someone off guard with this question, they might answer “something like 1; 2; 3;:::". This is a natural response, and indeed these positive whole numbers are called natural numbers. However, you might respond, there are also the negative whole numbers −1; −2; −3;::: and 0.