abstract algebra
noun
: a branch of mathematics in which algebraic concepts are generalized by using symbols to represent basic arithmetical operations
Abstract algebra courses introduce students to advanced mathematical concepts such as group theory and lattices.
Examples of abstract algebra in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of these topics, Elliptic Curves, was completely undiscovered in Fermat’s time, leading many to believe Fermat never really had a proof of his Last Theorem. From solving Rubik’s Cube to proving a fact about body-swapping on Futurama, abstract algebra has a wide range of applications.
—
Dave Linkletter, Popular Mechanics, 28 Jan. 2022
This is part of a field of abstract algebra called group theory, which studies symmetry.
—Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022
Getting the most popular programs to work may approach abstract algebra.
—Sonja Sharp Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2021
Until Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault and others revolutionized literary studies, specialist writing was reserved for specialized disciplines—abstract algebra, for example.
—James Campbell, WSJ, 19 Mar. 2021
The mathematician who follows the ice queen often dislikes concrete applications or specific cases — Alexander Grothendieck, one of the high priests of abstract algebra, once famously picked 57 as an example of a prime number.
—Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2020
Five of them will be taking college courses in differential equations, abstract algebra and discrete mathematics as 10th-graders at Pasadena High School this fall.
—Jay Mathews, Washington Post, 6 July 2019
Complete high school math, including calculus, in middle school and devote high school to more complex subjects: multivariable calculus, abstract algebra, probability, game theory and other college subjects.
—Jay Mathews, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2017
At the height of her mathematical powers, doing new work on abstract algebra, Noether died after an operation on an ovarian cyst.
—Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, 23 Mar. 2017
Dave Linkletter, Popular Mechanics, 28 Jan. 2022
This is part of a field of abstract algebra called group theory, which studies symmetry.
—Eugenia Cheng, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022
Getting the most popular programs to work may approach abstract algebra.
—Sonja Sharp Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2021
Until Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault and others revolutionized literary studies, specialist writing was reserved for specialized disciplines—abstract algebra, for example.
—James Campbell, WSJ, 19 Mar. 2021
The mathematician who follows the ice queen often dislikes concrete applications or specific cases — Alexander Grothendieck, one of the high priests of abstract algebra, once famously picked 57 as an example of a prime number.
—Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2020
Five of them will be taking college courses in differential equations, abstract algebra and discrete mathematics as 10th-graders at Pasadena High School this fall.
—Jay Mathews, Washington Post, 6 July 2019
Complete high school math, including calculus, in middle school and devote high school to more complex subjects: multivariable calculus, abstract algebra, probability, game theory and other college subjects.
—Jay Mathews, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2017
At the height of her mathematical powers, doing new work on abstract algebra, Noether died after an operation on an ovarian cyst.
—Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, 23 Mar. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abstract algebra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near abstract algebra
Cite this Entry
“Abstract algebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstract%20algebra. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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