In this classic of mathematical literature, first published in 1884, Felix Klein elegantly demonstrates how the rotation of icosahedron can be used to solve complex quintic equations. Divided into two parts-"Theory of the Icosahedron" and "The Theory of Equations of the Fifth Degree"-The Icosahedron covers: . the regular solids and the theory of groups . introduction of (x + iy) . statement and discussion of the fundamental problem, according to the theory of functions . the algebraical character of the fundamental problem . general theorems and survey of the subject . the historical development of the theory of equations of the fifth degree . introduction of geometrical material . the canonical equations of the fifth degree . the problem of the A's and the Jacobian equations of the sixth degree . the general equation of the fifth degree Complete with detailed equations and instructive material, The Icosahedron will be valued by experts in higher mathematics and students of algebra alike. German mathematician FELIX KLEIN (1849-1925) specialized in function theory, group theory, and non-Euclidean geometry. His published works include Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint: Arithmetic, Algebra, Analysis; Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint: Geometry; and Famous Problems of Elementary Geometry.

This well-known work covers the solution of quintics in terms of the rotations of a regular icosahedron around the axes of its symmetry. Its two-part presentation begins with discussions of the theory of the icosahedron itself; regular solids and theory of groups; introductions of (x + iy); a statement and examination of the fundamental problem, with a view of its algebraic character; and general theorems and a survey of the subject. The second part explores the theory of equations of the fifth degree and their historical development; introduces geometrical material; and covers canonical equations of the fifth degree, the problem of A's and Jacobian equations of the sixth degree, and the general equation of the fifth degree. Second revised edition with additional corrections.

Covers its topic in greater depth than the typical standard books on polynomial algebra

About Felix Klein, the famous Greek mathematician Constantin Carathéodory once said: “It is only by illuminating him from all angles that one can come to understand his significance.” The author of this biography has done just this. A detailed study of original sources has made it possible to uncover new connections; to create a more precise representation of this important mathematician, scientific organizer, and educational reformer; and to identify misconceptions. Because of his edition of Julius Plücker’s work on line geometry and due to his own contributions to non-Euclidean geometry, Klein was already well known abroad before he received his first full professorship at the age of 23. By exchanging ideas with his most important cooperation partner, the Norwegian Sophus Lie, Klein formulated his Erlangen Program. Various other visionary programs followed, in which Klein involved mathematicians from Germany and abroad. Klein was the most active promoter of Riemann’s geometric-physical approach to function theory, but he also integrated the analytical approaches of the Weierstrass school into his arsenal of methods. Klein was a citizen of the world who repeatedly travelled to France, Great Britain, Italy, the United States, and elsewhere. Despite what has often been claimed, it must be emphasized that Klein expressly opposed national chauvinism. He promoted mathematically gifted individuals regardless of their nationality, religion, or gender. Many of his works have been translated into English, French, Italian, Russian, and other languages; more than 300 supporters from around the world made it possible for his portrait to be painted by the prominent impressionist Max Liebermann. Inspired by international developments, Klein paved the way for women to work in the field of mathematics. He was instrumental in reforming mathematical education, and he endorsed an understanding of mathematics that affirmed its cultural importance as well as its fundamental significance to scientific and technological progress.

Previous edition sold 2000 copies in 3 years; Explores the subtle connections between Number Theory, Classical Geometry and Modern Algebra; Over 180 illustrations, as well as text and Maple files, are available via the web facilitate understanding: http://mathsgi01.rutgers.edu/cgi-bin/wrap/gtoth/; Contains an insert with 4-color illustrations; Includes numerous examples and worked-out problems

Polyhedra have cropped up in many different guises throughout recorded history. In modern times, polyhedra and their symmetries have been cast in a new light by combinatorics an d group theory. This book comprehensively documents the many and varied ways that polyhedra have come to the fore throughout the development of mathematics. The author strikes a balance between covering the historical development of the theory surrounding polyhedra, and presenting a rigorous treatment of the mathematics involved. It is attractively illustrated with dozens of diagrams to illustrate ideas that might otherwise prove difficult to grasp. Historians of mathematics, as well as those more interested in the mathematics itself, will find this unique book fascinating.

This unified account of various aspects of a powerful classical method, easy to understand in its simplest forms, is illustrated by applications in several areas of number theory. As well as including diophantine approximation and transcendence, which were mainly responsible for its invention, the author places the method in a broader context by exploring its application in other areas, such as exponential sums and counting problems in both finite fields and the field of rationals. Throughout the book, the method is explained in a 'molecular' fashion, where key ideas are introduced independently. Each application is the most elementary significant example of its kind and appears with detailed references to subsequent developments, making it accessible to advanced undergraduates as well as postgraduate students in number theory or related areas. It provides over 700 exercises both guiding and challenging, while the broad array of applications should interest professionals in fields from number theory to algebraic geometry.