Mathematics Its Historical Aspects Wonders And Beyond

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Mathematics: Its Historical Aspects, Wonders And Beyond

Author : Arthur D Kramer
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9811248591
Total Pages : 403 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Mathematics: Its Historical Aspects, Wonders And Beyond by : Arthur D Kramer

Download or read book Mathematics: Its Historical Aspects, Wonders And Beyond written by Arthur D Kramer and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2022-06-29 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whenever the topic of mathematics is mentioned, people tend to indicate their weakness in the subject as a result of not having enjoyed its instruction during their school experience. Many students unfortunately do not have very positive experiences when learning mathematics, which can result from teachers who have a tendency 'to teach to the test'. This is truly unfortunate for several reasons. First, basic algebra and geometry, which are taken by almost all students, are not difficult subjects, and all students should be able to master them with the proper motivational instruction. Second, we live in a technical age, and being comfortable with basic mathematics can certainly help you deal with life's daily challenges. Other, less tangible reasons, are the pleasure one can experience from understanding the many intricacies of mathematics and its relation to the real world, experiencing the satisfaction of solving a mathematical problem, and discovering the intrinsic beauty and historical development of many mathematical expressions and relationships. These are some of the experiences that this book is designed to deliver to the reader.The book offers 101 mathematical gems, some of which may require a modicum of high school mathematics and others, just a desire to carefully apply oneself to the ideas. Many folks have spent years encountering mathematical terms, symbols, relationships and other esoteric expressions. Their origins and their meanings may never have been revealed, such as the symbols +, -, =, π. ꝏ, √, ∑, and many others. This book provides a delightful insight into the origin of mathematical symbols and popular theorems such as the Pythagorean Theorem and the Fibonacci Sequence, common mathematical mistakes and curiosities, intriguing number relationships, and some of the different mathematical procedures in various countries. The book uses a historical and cultural approach to the topics, which enhances the subject matter and greatly adds to its appeal. The mathematical material can, therefore, be more fully appreciated and understood by anyone who has a curiosity and interest in mathematics, especially if in their past experience they were expected to simply accept ideas and concepts without a clear understanding of their origins and meaning. It is hoped that this will cast a new and positive picture of mathematics and provide a more favorable impression of this most important subject and be a different experience than what many may have previously encountered. It is also our wish that some of the fascination and beauty of mathematics shines through in these presentations.

Mathematics

Author : Alfred S. Posamentier
Publisher : World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN 13 : 9789811249334
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (493 download)

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Book Synopsis Mathematics by : Alfred S. Posamentier

Download or read book Mathematics written by Alfred S. Posamentier and published by World Scientific Publishing Company. This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whenever the topic of mathematics is mentioned, people tend to indicate their weakness in the subject as a result of not having enjoyed its instruction during their school experience. Many students unfortunately do not have very positive experiences when learning mathematics, which can result from teachers who have a tendency 'to teach to the test'. This is truly unfortunate for several reasons. First, basic algebra and geometry, which are taken by almost all students, are not difficult subjects, and all students should be able to master them with the proper motivational instruction. Second, we live in a technical age, and being comfortable with basic mathematics can certainly help you deal with life's daily challenges. Other, less tangible reasons, are the pleasure one can experience from understanding the many intricacies of mathematics and its relation to the real world, experiencing the satisfaction of solving a mathematical problem, and discovering the intrinsic beauty and historical development of many mathematical expressions and relationships. These are some of the experiences that this book is designed to deliver to the reader.The book offers 101 mathematical gems, some of which may require a modicum of high school mathematics and others, just a desire to carefully apply oneself to the ideas. Many folks have spent years encountering mathematical terms, symbols, relationships and other esoteric expressions. Their origins and their meanings may never have been revealed, such as the symbols +, -, =, π. ꝏ, √, ∑, and many others. This book provides a delightful insight into the origin of mathematical symbols and popular theorems such as the Pythagorean Theorem and the Fibonacci Sequence, common mathematical mistakes and curiosities, intriguing number relationships, and some of the different mathematical procedures in various countries. The book uses a historical and cultural approach to the topics, which enhances the subject matter and greatly adds to its appeal. The mathematical material can, therefore, be more fully appreciated and understood by anyone who has a curiosity and interest in mathematics, especially if in their past experience they were expected to simply accept ideas and concepts without a clear understanding of their origins and meaning. It is hoped that this will cast a new and positive picture of mathematics and provide a more favorable impression of this most important subject and be a different experience than what many may have previously encountered. It is also our wish that some of the fascination and beauty of mathematics shines through in these presentations.

Psychology Of Problem Solving, The: The Background To Successful Mathematics Thinking

Author : Alfred S Posamentier
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9811205728
Total Pages : 168 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Psychology Of Problem Solving, The: The Background To Successful Mathematics Thinking by : Alfred S Posamentier

Download or read book Psychology Of Problem Solving, The: The Background To Successful Mathematics Thinking written by Alfred S Posamentier and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2019-08-21 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The art or skill of problem solving in mathematics is mostly relegated to the strategies one can use to solve problems in the field. Although this book addresses that issue, it delves deeply into the psychological aspects that affect successful problem-solving. Such topics as decision-making, judgment, and reasoning as well as using memory effectively and a discussion of the thought processes that could help address certain problem-solving situations.Most books that address problem-solving and mathematics focus on the various skills. This book goes beyond that and investigates the psychological aspects to solving problems in mathematics.

Wonders Beyond Numbers

Author : Johnny Ball
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1472939972
Total Pages : 481 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (729 download)

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Book Synopsis Wonders Beyond Numbers by : Johnny Ball

Download or read book Wonders Beyond Numbers written by Johnny Ball and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2019-05-07 with total page 481 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By introducing us to the major characters and leading us through many historical twists and turns, Johnny slowly unravels the tale of how humanity built up a knowledge and understanding of shapes, numbers and patterns from ancient times, a story that leads directly to the technological wonderland we live in today. As Galileo said, 'Everything in the universe is written in the language of mathematics', and Wonders Beyond Numbers is your guide to this language. (4ème de couverture)

Sharpening Everyday Mental/thinking Skills Through Mathematics Problem Solving And Beyond

Author : Alfred S Posamentier
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9811273960
Total Pages : 338 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Sharpening Everyday Mental/thinking Skills Through Mathematics Problem Solving And Beyond by : Alfred S Posamentier

Download or read book Sharpening Everyday Mental/thinking Skills Through Mathematics Problem Solving And Beyond written by Alfred S Posamentier and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2024-01-22 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mathematics is a subject taught from kindergarten through to high school, and yet it is the one subject that most adults are almost proud to admit to not having been very good at, and, therefore, tend to avoid it where they can. However, one of the key factors in mathematics is its ability to enable us to solve everyday problems. When we consider 'the worst-case scenario' of the situation, it is analogous to solving a mathematical problem by considering extremes. Or, we might consider the best path to take from point A to point B, where geometric relationships can be helpful. This book is intended to demonstrate a variety of neglected aspects of mathematics, in order to demonstrate the power and beauty of the field of mathematics beyond where most people, students, and teachers believe is possible.The chapters of the book explore a multitude of topics: unusual arithmetic calculations and shortcuts, entertaining and instructional problem-solving strategies, unusual applications of algebra, and how geometry allows us to better appreciate physical relationships. Only a basic mathematical knowledge is needed to understand these topics and problems; however, the book also demonstrates that, armed with even this level of understanding, our mathematical skills far exceed what we learned at school! The final chapter is the most challenging, and explores a curious problem-solving technique.

Seduced By Mathematics: The Enduring Fascination Of Mathematics

Author : James D Stein
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9811255482
Total Pages : 225 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Seduced By Mathematics: The Enduring Fascination Of Mathematics by : James D Stein

Download or read book Seduced By Mathematics: The Enduring Fascination Of Mathematics written by James D Stein and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2022-07-20 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seduction is not just an end result, but a process — and in mathematics, both the end results and the process by which those end results are achieved are often charming and elegant.This helps to explain why so many people — not just those for whom math plays a key role in their day-to-day lives — have found mathematics so seductive. Math is unique among all subjects in that it contains end results of amazing insight and power, and lines of reasoning that are clever, charming, and elegant. This book is a collection of those results and lines of reasoning that make us say, 'OMG, that's just amazing,' — because that's what mathematics is to those who love it. In addition, some of the stories about mathematical discoveries and the people who discovered them are every bit as fascinating as the discoveries themselves.This book contains material capable of being appreciated by students in elementary school — as well as some material that will probably be new to even the more mathematically sophisticated. Most of the book can be easily understood by those whose only math courses are algebra and geometry, and who may have missed the magic, enchantment, and wonder that is the special province of mathematics.

Introduction To Chaos, Fractals And Dynamical Systems

Author : Phillip A Laplante
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 981127326X
Total Pages : 217 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Introduction To Chaos, Fractals And Dynamical Systems by : Phillip A Laplante

Download or read book Introduction To Chaos, Fractals And Dynamical Systems written by Phillip A Laplante and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2023-07-26 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a fun and enriching introduction to chaos theory, fractals and dynamical systems, and on the applications of fractals to computer generated graphics and image compression. Introduction to Chaos, Fractals and Dynamical Systems particularly focuses on natural and human phenomenon that can be modeled as fractals, using simple examples to explain the theory of chaos and how it affects all of us. Then, using straightforward mathematic and intuitive descriptions, computer generated graphics and photographs of natural scenes are used to illustrate the beauty of fractals and their importance in our world. Finally, the concept of Dynamical Systems, that is, time-dependent systems, the foundation of Chaos and Fractal, is introduced. Everyday examples are again used to illustrate concepts, and the importance of understanding how these vital systems affect our lives. Throughout the fascinating history of the evolution of chaos theory, fractals and dynamical systems is presented, along with brief introductions to the scientists, mathematicians and engineers who created this knowledge.Introduction to Chaos, Fractals and Dynamical Systems contains ample mathematical definitions, representations, discussions and exercises, so that this book can be used as primary or secondary source in home schooling environments.The book is suitable for homeschooling as a focused course on the subject matter or as a classroom supplement for a variety of courses at the late junior high or early high-school level. For example, in addition to a standalone course on Chaos, Fractals and Dynamical Systems (or similar title), this book could be used with the following courses:The text can also be used in conjunction with mathematics courses for undergraduates for non-science majors. The book can also be used for informal and lively family study and discussion.For each chapter, exercises and things to do are included. These activities range from simple computational tasks to more elaborate computer projects, related activities, biographical research and writing assignments.

Central European Olympiad, A: The Mathematical Duel

Author : Robert Geretschlager
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9813223928
Total Pages : 292 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (132 download)

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Book Synopsis Central European Olympiad, A: The Mathematical Duel by : Robert Geretschlager

Download or read book Central European Olympiad, A: The Mathematical Duel written by Robert Geretschlager and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2017-11-29 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book contains the most interesting problems from the first 24 years of the 'Mathematical Duel', an annual international mathematics competition between the students of four schools: the Gymnázium Mikuláše Koperníka in Bílovec, Czech Republic, the Akademicki Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących in Chorzów, Poland, the Bundesrealgymnasium Kepler in Graz, Austria and the Gymnázium Jakuba Škody in Přerov, Czech Republic.The problems are presented by topic, grouped under the headings Geometry, Combinatorics, Number Theory and Algebra, which is typical for olympiad-style competitions.Above all, it is of interest to students preparing for mathematics competitions as well as teachers looking for material to prepare their students, as well as mathematically interested enthusiasts from all walks of life looking for an intellectual challenge.

Mathematics: A Concise History and Philosophy

Author : W.S. Anglin
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1461208750
Total Pages : 253 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (612 download)

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Book Synopsis Mathematics: A Concise History and Philosophy by : W.S. Anglin

Download or read book Mathematics: A Concise History and Philosophy written by W.S. Anglin and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a concise introductory textbook for a one-semester (40-class) course in the history and philosophy of mathematics. It is written for mathemat ics majors, philosophy students, history of science students, and (future) secondary school mathematics teachers. The only prerequisite is a solid command of precalculus mathematics. On the one hand, this book is designed to help mathematics majors ac quire a philosophical and cultural understanding of their subject by means of doing actual mathematical problems from different eras. On the other hand, it is designed to help philosophy, history, and education students come to a deeper understanding of the mathematical side of culture by means of writing short essays. The way I myself teach the material, stu dents are given a choice between mathematical assignments, and more his torical or philosophical assignments. (Some sample assignments and tests are found in an appendix to this book. ) This book differs from standard textbooks in several ways. First, it is shorter, and thus more accessible to students who have trouble coping with vast amounts of reading. Second, there are many detailed explanations of the important mathematical procedures actually used by famous mathe maticians, giving more mathematically talented students a greater oppor tunity to learn the history and philosophy by way of problem solving.

The Math Book

Author : Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher : Union Square + ORM
ISBN 13 : 1402797494
Total Pages : 937 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (27 download)

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Book Synopsis The Math Book by : Clifford A. Pickover

Download or read book The Math Book written by Clifford A. Pickover and published by Union Square + ORM. This book was released on 2011-09-27 with total page 937 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Neumann Prize–winning, illustrated exploration of mathematics—from its timeless mysteries to its history of mind-boggling discoveries. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient “ant odometers” and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, The Math Book covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous delights readers will learn about as they dip into this inviting anthology: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares from centuries ago, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect. Each topic is lavishly illustrated with colorful art, along with formulas and concepts, fascinating facts about scientists’ lives, and real-world applications of the theorems.

Beautiful Geometry

Author : Eli Maor
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 0691175888
Total Pages : 206 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (911 download)

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Book Synopsis Beautiful Geometry by : Eli Maor

Download or read book Beautiful Geometry written by Eli Maor and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2017-04-11 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An exquisite visual celebration of the 2,500-year history of geometry If you've ever thought that mathematics and art don't mix, this stunning visual history of geometry will change your mind. As much a work of art as a book about mathematics, Beautiful Geometry presents more than sixty exquisite color plates illustrating a wide range of geometric patterns and theorems, accompanied by brief accounts of the fascinating history and people behind each. With artwork by Swiss artist Eugen Jost and text by math historian Eli Maor, this unique celebration of geometry covers numerous subjects, from straightedge-and-compass constructions to intriguing configurations involving infinity. The result is a delightful and informative illustrated tour through the 2,500-year-old history of one of the most important branches of mathematics.

Mathematics and Computation

Author : Avi Wigderson
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 0691189137
Total Pages : 434 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (911 download)

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Book Synopsis Mathematics and Computation by : Avi Wigderson

Download or read book Mathematics and Computation written by Avi Wigderson and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2019-10-29 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the winner of the Turing Award and the Abel Prize, an introduction to computational complexity theory, its connections and interactions with mathematics, and its central role in the natural and social sciences, technology, and philosophy Mathematics and Computation provides a broad, conceptual overview of computational complexity theory—the mathematical study of efficient computation. With important practical applications to computer science and industry, computational complexity theory has evolved into a highly interdisciplinary field, with strong links to most mathematical areas and to a growing number of scientific endeavors. Avi Wigderson takes a sweeping survey of complexity theory, emphasizing the field’s insights and challenges. He explains the ideas and motivations leading to key models, notions, and results. In particular, he looks at algorithms and complexity, computations and proofs, randomness and interaction, quantum and arithmetic computation, and cryptography and learning, all as parts of a cohesive whole with numerous cross-influences. Wigderson illustrates the immense breadth of the field, its beauty and richness, and its diverse and growing interactions with other areas of mathematics. He ends with a comprehensive look at the theory of computation, its methodology and aspirations, and the unique and fundamental ways in which it has shaped and will further shape science, technology, and society. For further reading, an extensive bibliography is provided for all topics covered. Mathematics and Computation is useful for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, computer science, and related fields, as well as researchers and teachers in these fields. Many parts require little background, and serve as an invitation to newcomers seeking an introduction to the theory of computation. Comprehensive coverage of computational complexity theory, and beyond High-level, intuitive exposition, which brings conceptual clarity to this central and dynamic scientific discipline Historical accounts of the evolution and motivations of central concepts and models A broad view of the theory of computation's influence on science, technology, and society Extensive bibliography

Making up Numbers: A History of Invention in Mathematics

Author : Ekkehard Kopp
Publisher : Open Book Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1800640978
Total Pages : 282 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (6 download)

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Book Synopsis Making up Numbers: A History of Invention in Mathematics by : Ekkehard Kopp

Download or read book Making up Numbers: A History of Invention in Mathematics written by Ekkehard Kopp and published by Open Book Publishers. This book was released on 2020-10-23 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Making up Numbers: A History of Invention in Mathematics offers a detailed but accessible account of a wide range of mathematical ideas. Starting with elementary concepts, it leads the reader towards aspects of current mathematical research. The book explains how conceptual hurdles in the development of numbers and number systems were overcome in the course of history, from Babylon to Classical Greece, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and so to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The narrative moves from the Pythagorean insistence on positive multiples to the gradual acceptance of negative numbers, irrationals and complex numbers as essential tools in quantitative analysis. Within this chronological framework, chapters are organised thematically, covering a variety of topics and contexts: writing and solving equations, geometric construction, coordinates and complex numbers, perceptions of ‘infinity’ and its permissible uses in mathematics, number systems, and evolving views of the role of axioms. Through this approach, the author demonstrates that changes in our understanding of numbers have often relied on the breaking of long-held conventions to make way for new inventions at once providing greater clarity and widening mathematical horizons. Viewed from this historical perspective, mathematical abstraction emerges as neither mysterious nor immutable, but as a contingent, developing human activity. Making up Numbers will be of great interest to undergraduate and A-level students of mathematics, as well as secondary school teachers of the subject. In virtue of its detailed treatment of mathematical ideas, it will be of value to anyone seeking to learn more about the development of the subject.

Naming Infinity

Author : Loren Graham
Publisher : Harvard University Press
ISBN 13 : 0674032934
Total Pages : 252 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (74 download)

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Book Synopsis Naming Infinity by : Loren Graham

Download or read book Naming Infinity written by Loren Graham and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2009-03-31 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1913, Russian imperial marines stormed an Orthodox monastery at Mt. Athos, Greece, to haul off monks engaged in a dangerously heretical practice known as Name Worshipping. Exiled to remote Russian outposts, the monks and their mystical movement went underground. Ultimately, they came across Russian intellectuals who embraced Name Worshipping—and who would achieve one of the biggest mathematical breakthroughs of the twentieth century, going beyond recent French achievements. Loren Graham and Jean-Michel Kantor take us on an exciting mathematical mystery tour as they unravel a bizarre tale of political struggles, psychological crises, sexual complexities, and ethical dilemmas. At the core of this book is the contest between French and Russian mathematicians who sought new answers to one of the oldest puzzles in math: the nature of infinity. The French school chased rationalist solutions. The Russian mathematicians, notably Dmitri Egorov and Nikolai Luzin—who founded the famous Moscow School of Mathematics—were inspired by mystical insights attained during Name Worshipping. Their religious practice appears to have opened to them visions into the infinite—and led to the founding of descriptive set theory. The men and women of the leading French and Russian mathematical schools are central characters in this absorbing tale that could not be told until now. Naming Infinity is a poignant human interest story that raises provocative questions about science and religion, intuition and creativity.

A History of Algebraic and Differential Topology, 1900 - 1960

Author : Jean Dieudonné
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 0817649077
Total Pages : 666 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (176 download)

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Book Synopsis A History of Algebraic and Differential Topology, 1900 - 1960 by : Jean Dieudonné

Download or read book A History of Algebraic and Differential Topology, 1900 - 1960 written by Jean Dieudonné and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-09-01 with total page 666 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a well-informed and detailed analysis of the problems and development of algebraic topology, from Poincaré and Brouwer to Serre, Adams, and Thom. The author has examined each significant paper along this route and describes the steps and strategy of its proofs and its relation to other work. Previously, the history of the many technical developments of 20th-century mathematics had seemed to present insuperable obstacles to scholarship. This book demonstrates in the case of topology how these obstacles can be overcome, with enlightening results.... Within its chosen boundaries the coverage of this book is superb. Read it! —MathSciNet

The Nothing that is

Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 13 : 0195128427
Total Pages : 238 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (951 download)

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Book Synopsis The Nothing that is by :

Download or read book The Nothing that is written by and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2000 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the tradition of "Longitude, " a small and engagingly written book on the history and meaning of zero--a "tour de force" of science history that takes us through the hollow circle that leads to infinity. 32 illustrations.

A Mathematical Nature Walk

Author : John Adam
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 140083290X
Total Pages : 272 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (8 download)

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Book Synopsis A Mathematical Nature Walk by : John Adam

Download or read book A Mathematical Nature Walk written by John Adam and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2011-09-12 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How heavy is that cloud? Why can you see farther in rain than in fog? Why are the droplets on that spider web spaced apart so evenly? If you have ever asked questions like these while outdoors, and wondered how you might figure out the answers, this is a book for you. An entertaining and informative collection of fascinating puzzles from the natural world around us, A Mathematical Nature Walk will delight anyone who loves nature or math or both. John Adam presents ninety-six questions about many common natural phenomena--and a few uncommon ones--and then shows how to answer them using mostly basic mathematics. Can you weigh a pumpkin just by carefully looking at it? Why can you see farther in rain than in fog? What causes the variations in the colors of butterfly wings, bird feathers, and oil slicks? And why are large haystacks prone to spontaneous combustion? These are just a few of the questions you'll find inside. Many of the problems are illustrated with photos and drawings, and the book also has answers, a glossary of terms, and a list of some of the patterns found in nature. About a quarter of the questions can be answered with arithmetic, and many of the rest require only precalculus. But regardless of math background, readers will learn from the informal descriptions of the problems and gain a new appreciation of the beauty of nature and the mathematics that lies behind it.