A New Year’s Present from a Mathematician

A New Year’s Present from a Mathematician

Author: Snezana Lawrence

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2019-11-26

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 1000734870

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Longlisted for the BSHS Hughes Prize 2021 A New Year’s Present from a Mathematician is an exciting book dedicated to two questions: What is it that mathematicians do? And who gets to be called a ‘mathematician’ and why? This book seeks to answer these questions through a series of stories ranging from the beginning of modern mathematics through to the 20th century, but not in a usual, chronological manner. The author weaves her story around major questions concerning nature of mathematics, and links mathematicians by the substance of their ideas and the historical and personal context in which they were developed. Ideal as a gift for anyone with an interest in mathematics, this book gives a powerful insight into mathematical concepts in an easy-to-read-and-digest manner, without trivializing their nature. The attention given to engaging examples, framed within a poetic narrative structure, means that this book can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of their level of mathematical education.


Modern Mathematics

Modern Mathematics

Author: Dirk De Bock

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-03-08

Total Pages: 615

ISBN-13: 3031111664

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The international New Math developments between about 1950 through 1980, are regarded by many mathematics educators and education historians as the most historically important development in curricula of the twentieth century. It attracted the attention of local and international politicians, of teachers, and of parents, and influenced the teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels—kindergarten to college graduate—in many nations. After garnering much initial support it began to attract criticism. But, as Bill Jacob and the late Jerry Becker show in Chapter 17, some of the effects became entrenched. This volume, edited by Professor Dirk De Bock, of Belgium, provides an outstanding overview of the New Math/modern mathematics movement. Chapter authors provide exceptionally high-quality analyses of the rise of the movement, and of subsequent developments, within a range of nations. The first few chapters show how the initial leadership came from mathematicians in European nations and in the United States of America. The background leaders in Europe were Caleb Gattegno and members of a mysterious group of mainly French pure mathematicians, who since the 1930s had published under the name of (a fictitious) “Nicolas Bourbaki.” In the United States, there emerged, during the 1950s various attempts to improve U.S. mathematics curricula and teaching, especially in secondary schools and colleges. This side of the story climaxed in 1957 when the Soviet Union succeeded in launching “Sputnik,” the first satellite. Undoubtedly, this is a landmark publication in education. The foreword was written by Professor Bob Moon, one of a few other scholars to have written on the New Math from an international perspective. The final “epilogue” chapter, by Professor Geert Vanpaemel, a historian, draws together the overall thrust of the volume, and makes links with the general history of curriculum development, especially in science education, including recent globalization trends.


The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction, 1908-2008: People, Events, and Challenges in Mathematics Education

The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction, 1908-2008: People, Events, and Challenges in Mathematics Education

Author: Fulvia Furinghetti

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-01-30

Total Pages: 754

ISBN-13: 3031043138

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The book presents the history of ICMI trough a prosopographical approach. In other words, it pays a lot of attention to the actors of the International movement. The portraits of the members of the ICMI Central Committees (1908-1936) and ICMI Executive Committees (1952-2008), and other eminent figures in ICMI history, who have passed away in the first 100 years of its life, are the guiding thread of the volume. Each portrait includes: · Biographical information · An outline of the various contributions made by the individual in question to the study of problems pertaining to mathematics teaching/education · Primary bibliography · Secondary with particular attention to the publications concerning the teaching of mathematics · Images: photos, book frontispieces, relevant manuscripts The authors of the portraits (30 altogether) are researchers in the history of mathematics, mathematics, and mathematics education. The focus on the officer’s role within ICMI and on his/her contributions to mathematics education, make the portraits different from usual biographies. In particular, since most officers were active mathematicians, the portraits shed light on aspects of their lesser-known activity. Connecting chapters place the action of these figures in the historical context and in the different phases of ICMI history.


Mathematics of The Big Four Casino Table Games

Mathematics of The Big Four Casino Table Games

Author: Mark Bollman

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2021-08-20

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 1000423840

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Mathematics is the basis of casino games, which are the bedrock of a $100 billion/year industry. Mathematics of the Big Four Casino Table Games: Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, & Roulette takes an in-depth look at the four biggest table games in casinos: blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. It guides readers through the mathematical principles that underpin these games and their different variations, providing insights that will be of huge interest to gamblers, casino managers, researchers, and students of mathematics. Features A valuable teaching resource, replete with exercises, for any course on gambling mathematics Suitable for a wide audience of professionals, researchers, and students Many practical applications for the gambling industry Mark Bollman is Professor of Mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, and has taught 116 different courses in his career. Among these courses is "Mathematics of the Gaming Industry," where mathematics majors carefully study the math behind games of chance and travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, in order to compare theory and practice. He has also taken those ideas into Albion’s Honors Program in "Great Issues in Humanities: Perspectives on Gambling," which considers gambling from literary, philosophical, and historical points of view as well as mathematically. Mark has also authored Basic Gambling Mathematics: The Numbers Behind the Neon, Mathematics of Keno and Lotteries, and Mathematics of Casino Carnival Games.


Beyond Babel: Religion and Linguistic Pluralism

Beyond Babel: Religion and Linguistic Pluralism

Author: Andrea Vestrucci

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-10-31

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 3031421272

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This volume is the first attempt to investigate explicitly how the multiplicity of religions and forms of spirituality interconnect with the pluralism of languages, including scientific codes, formal languages, and artistic expressions. In a journey “beyond Babel”, the volume explores how religious and linguistic pluralisms enter into polyphonic relations, how they co-evolve and grow together, and why they clash. This text provides the setting for a dialogue on a rich variety of religious languages and traditions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Jainism, and Christianity. The chapters explore how these traditions can venture into new interreligious paths, how sacred meanings translate into vernacular speeches, how religious identities and scientific notions interacts, what role emotional expressions play in interfaith encounters, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on beliefs. The book is authored by esteemed senior scholars, established researchers, and exceptional junior doctorate holders whose expertise spans across religious studies, the history of science, philosophy, fine arts, theology, linguistics, computer science, and legal studies. This volume contributes to interfaith studies and teaching, to sociology and philosophy of religion, and to the history and anthropology of religion and the sacred arts. It is intended to reach students, researchers, instructors, and professionals alike.


The Six-Cornered Snowflake

The Six-Cornered Snowflake

Author: Johannes Kepler

Publisher: Paul Dry Books

Published: 2010-01-01

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1589882857

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"In 1611, Kepler wrote an essay wondering why snowflakes always had perfect, sixfold symmetry. It's a simple enough question, but one that no one had ever asked before and one that couldn't actually be answered for another three centuries. Still, in trying to work out an answer, Kepler raised some fascinating questions about physics, math, and biology, and now you can watch in wonder as a great scientific genius unleashes the full force of his intellect on a seemingly trivial question, complete with new illustrations and essays to put it all in perspective."—io9, from their list "10 Amazing Science Books That Reveal The Wonders Of The Universe" When snow began to fall while he was walking across the Charles Bridge in Prague late in 1610, the eminent astronomer Johannes Kepler asked himself the following question: Why do snowflakes, when they first fall, and before they are entangled into larger clumps, always come down with six corners and with six radii tufted like feathers? In his effort to answer this charming and never-before-asked question about snowflakes, Kepler delves into the nature of beehives, peapods, pomegranates, five-petaled flowers, the spiral shape of the snail's shell, and the formative power of nature itself. While he did not answer his original question—it remained a mystery for another three hundred years—he did find an occasion for deep and playful thought. "A most suitable book for any and all during the winter and holiday seasons is a reissue of a holiday present by the great mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler…Even the endnotes in this wonderful little book are interesting and educationally fun to read."—Jay Pasachoff, The Key Reporter —New English translation by Jacques Bromberg —Latin text on facing pages —An essay, "The Delights of a Roving Mind" by Owen Gingerich —An essay, "On The Six-Cornered Snowflake" by Guillermo Bleichmar —Snowflake illustrations by Capi Corrales Rodriganez —John Frederick Nims' poem "The Six-Cornered Snowflake" —Notes by Jacques Bromberg and Guillermo Bleichmar


Star Origami

Star Origami

Author: Tung Ken Lam

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2021-09-22

Total Pages: 151

ISBN-13: 1000449637

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"Star Origami is a festival of folding fun that is sure to inspire. Tung Ken's stellar designs are rich with invention, and as always, his works are beautifully illustrated and written by him. Those eager for the math behind the designs will not be disappointed." — Michael LaFosse (Origamido® Studio), author of over 50 origami books including Geometric Origami: The Art of Modular Paper Sculpture "Tung Ken Lam is one of the world’s leading exponents of modular origami design. His books never disappoint." — David Mitchell, author of Mathematical Origami and founder of origamiheaven.com "Perfect for teachers to guide students to explore the relationships between the properties of rectangles and the folded stars. The curious and motivated student will find hours of mathematical buried treasure through folding." – Charlene Morrow, Director, SummerMath, Mount Holyoke College and Past Board Chair, OrigamiUSA "Star Origami provides a treasure trove of relevant math foundations, and suggestive pathways for the creative journey. It has already stimulated new directions for my own star structures." — Arnold Tubis, author of Unfolding Mathematics with Origami Boxes and Tessellation Inspired Origami Box Designs Star Origami: The StarrygamiTM Galaxy of Modular Origami Stars, Rings and Wreaths is an exciting collection of origami rings, stars and wreaths made using the modular technique, including clear instructions for making them. Features Over sixty paper stars, all made without cutting, gluing or decorating using the modular origami technique Hundreds of clear step-by-step instructions show you how, based on the technique of folding a small number of simple units and joining them together as a satisfying puzzle Secret tips to make new shapes just by varying a few lengths and angles Suitable for teaching and learning art, geometry and mathematics. Teachers will appreciate the practical advice to succeed in using origami for education.


The New Math

The New Math

Author: Christopher James Phillips

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 022618496X

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An era of sweeping cultural change in America, the postwar years saw the rise of beatniks and hippies, the birth of feminism, and the release of the first video game. This book examines the rise and fall of the new math as a marker of the period's political and social ferment.


Hands on History

Hands on History

Author: Amy Shell-Gellasch

Publisher: MAA

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 0883851822

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In an increasingly electronic society, these exercises are designed to help school and collegiate educators use historical devices of mathematics to balance the digital side of mathematics.