Présentation de l'éditeur
This book investigates the geometry of the quaternion and octonion algebras. Following a comprehensive historical introduction, the special properties of 3- and 4-dimensional Euclidean spaces are illuminated using quaternions, leading to enumerations of the corresponding finite groups of symmetries. The second half of the book discusses the less familiar octonion algebra, concentrating on its remarkable "triality symmetry" after an appropriate study of Moufang loops. The arithmetics of the quaternions and octonions are also described, and the book concludes with a new theory of octonion factorization. Topics covered include: - history - the geometry of complex numbers - quaternions and 3-dimensional groups - quaternions and 4-dimensional groups - the Hurwitz integral quaternions - the composition algebras - Moufang loops - octonions and 8-dimensional geometry - integral octonions - the octonion projective plane
Book Description
An investigation of the geometry of quaternion and octonion algebras, this book is intended for mathematicians, physicists, and crystallographers at any level--from undergraduate to professional--who are interested in the symmetries of low-dimensional space.
The book can also be used as a text for graduate courses in many mathematical fields, including geometry, group theory, algebra, and number theory.
A Selection of Topics Covered:
The geometry of complex numbers
Quaternions and 3-dimensional groups
Quaternions and 4-dimensional groups
The Hurwitz integral quaternions
Moufang loops
Octonions and 8-dimensional geometry
Integral octonions
The octonion projective plane
