This volume contains the talks given at the INDAM workshop entitled "Polynomial identites in algebras", held in Rome in September 2019. The purpose of the book is to present the current state of the art in the theory of PI-algebras. The review of the classical results in the last few years has pointed out new perspectives for the development of the theory. In particular, the contributions emphasize on the computational and combinatorial aspects of the theory, its connection with invariant theory, representation theory, growth problems. It is addressed to researchers in the field.

These lecture notes treat polynomial identity rings from both the combinatorial and structural points of view. The greater part of recent research in polynomial identity rings is about combinatorial questions, and the combinatorial part of the lecture notes gives an up-to-date account of recent research. On the other hand, the main structural results have been known for some time, and the emphasis there is on a presentation accessible to newcomers to the subject.

Polynomial Identities and Combinatorial Methods presents a wide range of perspectives on topics ranging from ring theory and combinatorics to invariant theory and associative algebras. It covers recent breakthroughs and strategies impacting research on polynomial identities and identifies new concepts in algebraic combinatorics, invariant and representation theory, and Lie algebras and superalgebras for novel studies in the field. It presents intensive discussions on various methods and techniques relating the theory of polynomial identities to other branches of algebraic study and includes discussions on Hopf algebras and quantum polynomials, free algebras and Scheier varieties.

This book gives a state of the art approach to the study of polynomial identities satisfied by a given algebra by combining methods of ring theory, combinatorics, and representation theory of groups with analysis. The idea of applying analytical methods to the theory of polynomial identities appeared in the early 1970s and this approach has become one of the most powerful tools of the theory. A PI-algebra is any algebra satisfying at least one nontrivial polynomial identity. This includes the polynomial rings in one or several variables, the Grassmann algebra, finite-dimensional algebras, and many other algebras occurring naturally in mathematics. The core of the book is the proof that the sequence of co-dimensions of any PI-algebra has integral exponential growth - the PI-exponent of the algebra. Later chapters further apply these results to subjects such as a characterization of varieties of algebras having polynomial growth and a classification of varieties that are minimal for a given exponent.

A Polynomial Approach to Linear Algebra is a text which is heavily biased towards functional methods. In using the shift operator as a central object, it makes linear algebra a perfect introduction to other areas of mathematics, operator theory in particular. This technique is very powerful as becomes clear from the analysis of canonical forms (Frobenius, Jordan). It should be emphasized that these functional methods are not only of great theoretical interest, but lead to computational algorithms. Quadratic forms are treated from the same perspective, with emphasis on the important examples of Bezoutian and Hankel forms. These topics are of great importance in applied areas such as signal processing, numerical linear algebra, and control theory. Stability theory and system theoretic concepts, up to realization theory, are treated as an integral part of linear algebra. Finally there is a chapter on Hankel norm approximation for the case of scalar rational functions which allows the reader to access ideas and results on the frontier of current research.

A polynomial identity for an algebra (or a ring) A A is a polynomial in noncommutative variables that vanishes under any evaluation in A A. An algebra satisfying a nontrivial polynomial identity is called a PI algebra, and this is the main object of study in this book, which can be used by graduate students and researchers alike. The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 contains foundational material on representation theory and noncommutative algebra. In addition to setting the stage for the rest of the book, this part can be used for an introductory course in noncommutative algebra. An expert reader may use Part 1 as reference and start with the main topics in the remaining parts. Part 2 discusses the combinatorial aspects of the theory, the growth theorem, and Shirshov's bases. Here methods of representation theory of the symmetric group play a major role. Part 3 contains the main body of structure theorems for PI algebras, theorems of Kaplansky and Posner, the theory of central polynomials, M. Artin's theorem on Azumaya algebras, and the geometric part on the variety of semisimple representations, including the foundations of the theory of Cayley–Hamilton algebras. Part 4 is devoted first to the proof of the theorem of Razmyslov, Kemer, and Braun on the nilpotency of the nil radical for finitely generated PI algebras over Noetherian rings, then to the theory of Kemer and the Specht problem. Finally, the authors discuss PI exponent and codimension growth. This part uses some nontrivial analytic tools coming from probability theory. The appendix presents the counterexamples of Golod and Shafarevich to the Burnside problem.

Polynomial Identities in Ring Theory

College Algebra provides a comprehensive exploration of algebraic principles and meets scope and sequence requirements for a typical introductory algebra course. The modular approach and richness of content ensure that the book meets the needs of a variety of courses. College Algebra offers a wealth of examples with detailed, conceptual explanations, building a strong foundation in the material before asking students to apply what they've learned. Coverage and Scope In determining the concepts, skills, and topics to cover, we engaged dozens of highly experienced instructors with a range of student audiences. The resulting scope and sequence proceeds logically while allowing for a significant amount of flexibility in instruction. Chapters 1 and 2 provide both a review and foundation for study of Functions that begins in Chapter 3. The authors recognize that while some institutions may find this material a prerequisite, other institutions have told us that they have a cohort that need the prerequisite skills built into the course. Chapter 1: Prerequisites Chapter 2: Equations and Inequalities Chapters 3-6: The Algebraic Functions Chapter 3: Functions Chapter 4: Linear Functions Chapter 5: Polynomial and Rational Functions Chapter 6: Exponential and Logarithm Functions Chapters 7-9: Further Study in College Algebra Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities Chapter 8: Analytic Geometry Chapter 9: Sequences, Probability and Counting Theory