Discovering Mathematics with Magma Reducing the Abstract to the Concrete [Paperback]

Based on the ontology and semantics of algebra, the computer algebra system Magma enables users to rapidly formulate and perform calculations in abstract parts of mathematics. Edited by the principal designers of the program, this book explores Magma. Coverage ranges from number theory and algebraic geometry, through representation theory and group theory to discrete mathematics and graph theory. Includes case studies describing computations underpinning new theoretical results.

The appearance of this volume celebrates the ?rst decade of Magma, a new computeralgebrasystemlaunchedattheFirstMagmaConferenceonCom- tational Algebra held at Queen Mary and West?eld College, London, August 1993. This book introduces the reader to the role Magma plays in advanced mathematical research. Each paper examines how the computer can be used to gain insight into either a single problem or a small group of closely related problems. The intention is to present su?cient detail so that a reader can (a), gain insight into the mathematical questions that are the origin of the problems,and(b),developanunderstandingastohowsuchcomputations are speci?edinMagma.Itishopedthatthereaderwillcometoarealisationofthe important rolethatcomputational algebracanplayinmathematical research. Readers not primarily interested in using Magma will easily acquire the skills needed to undertake basic programming in Magma, while experienced Magma users can learn both mathematics and advanced computational methods in areas related to their own. The core of the volume comprises 14 papers. The authors were invited to submit articles on designated topics and these articles were then reviewed by referees. Although by no means exhaustive, the topics range over a consid- ablepartofMagmascoverageofalgorithmicalgebra:fromnumbertheoryand algebraicgeometry,viarepresentationtheoryandcomputationalgrouptheory to some branches of discrete mathematics and graph theory. The papers are preceded by an outline ofl#"