Elements of Algebra

Leonhard Euler is both founder of modern algebra and widely believed to be the best pure mathematician ever. According to the story I've heard, Euler went blind late in life but to have something to do he obtained the services of a normal person not educated in mathematics and used him as an intellectual mirror to write this book. He only put explanations in this book that helper could master. Amazingly, the helper mastered the material. How clever.

Amazing read!

I liked the beginning where Euler defines the mathematical symbols to be used. For instance, we learn that equal to (=) is beginning to be used at the time. Further on, when defining numbers (natural, rational,...) It is clear that at the time there was not an axiomatic number definition. Rather, Euler defines number properties with clear applied examples (investment, principal, debts an so on ). The last chapters are devoted to solving equations up to third degree. These turned out being rather cryptic for a non professional practitioner. Altogether, the book is a sort of showcase of the practice and teaching of mathematics at the time, and I bought it for that. I have no complaints about. The translator/editor did a good job updating the symbols and keeping the tangy archaic writing.

Got this so I had a check list for home schooling my kids in math to supplement day school. Engineer by training and straightforward to get through. Boggles the mind when you realize a only a couple hundred sentences from Euler summarize everything from elementary school math through high school senior. I've skipped toward the back of it for curiosity and realized I could not solve some sections in the back, that's pretty cool too.

I purchased this book excepting it to be a tad bit shorter but that was my fault as a consumer making spontaneous purchases rather than investigating a bit further. This is a textbook sized book and it packs a lot of information all taught by Euler (possibly the greatest mathematician known to man). Some of the language used in the book can be a bit confusing but considering this is a reprint and probably was translated by people without math degrees it is passable. Definitely worth its value.

Another item to add to your “I don’t know what to buy my teenager anymore” list. Just kidding. My husband gave it to my teen daughter for Christmas because he thinks she should read it because he is an engineer and engineers are weird.

Very detailed, well written! Couldn’t be any better for someone who aims to master algebra! Off course no one book makes you the master of algebra, but it’s availing the steps to you by explaining things precisely on point, easy to understand that helps you progress.

This is more about the review of the book's physical attributes than the review of Euler's masterpiece. It is one of the best mathematical book written for general population by one of the greatest mathematician. It is more or less on par with Euclid's Elements (still I would rate Euclid's masterpiece above). The other editions I bought earlier, reprinted the older formats with illegible formulas and letters. This version resolves those problems. I wish they would have maintained the notes in the same pages instead of combining in the last pages. Great clarity. Larger print. Have enough space to take notes.

Thank you!

Leonhard Euler was one of the greatest and most prolific mathematicians of all time. His work was of vital importance to a bewildering variety of fields, many of which he himself created. Yet, as with most modern mathematicians, his work was and remains inaccessible to most of us. Amitabh Chandra Aruni Vill.+ Po. - Mejorganj, Sitamarhi, Bihar

I ordered a Kindle eBook but it would not download. Amazon advertises it as an eBook and it will not download.

Good quality book, I honestly have nothing bad to say about it.

The work is, undoubtfuly, a masterpiece that allows the student to build a strong foundation in the basics of Algebra. I don't like the way it's arranged though: remarking every single paragraph might seem a good idea at first but I reckon the final result is somehow chaotic. I'd have preferred the notes at the bottom of each page instead of having them in the back.