Knots are familiar objects. Yet the mathematical theory of knots quickly leads to deep results in topology and geometry. This work offers an introduction to this theory, starting with our understanding of knots. It presents the applications of knot theory to modern chemistry, biology and physics.
This is the first softcover worktext to incorporate graphing technology into this course. It emphasizes problem solving, reasoning, mathematical communication, and mathematical connections. More than 350 examples go beyond typical textbook examples to emphasize applications, problem-solving strategies, and reasoning. This text adheres to recently suggested math guidelines, with an emphasis on mathematical literacy, critical thinking, group/collaborative learning activities, applications, and technology.
A clear need exists for substantial improvement in mathematics proficiency in U.S. schools. The RAND Mathematics Study Panel was convened to inform the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement on ways to improve the quality and usability of education research and development (R&D). The panel identified three areas for focused R&D: development of teachers' mathematical knowledge used in teaching; teaching and learning of skills needed for mathematical thinking and problem-solving; and teaching and learning of algebra from kindergarten through the 12th grade.
This book provides an introduction to those parts of analysis that are most useful in applications for graduate students. The material is selected for use in applied problems, and is presented clearly and simply but without sacrificing mathematical rigor. The text is accessible to students from a wide variety of backgrounds, including undergraduate students entering applied mathematics from non-mathematical fields and graduate students in the sciences and engineering who want to learn analysis. A basic background in calculus, linear algebra and ordinary differential equations, as well as some familiarity with functions and sets, should be sufficient.
The theory of characteristic classes provides a meeting ground for the various disciplines of differential topology, differential and algebraic geometry, cohomology, and fiber bundle theory. As such, it is a fundamental and an essential tool in the study of differentiable manifolds. In this volume, the authors provide a thorough introduction to characteristic classes, with detailed studies of Stiefel-Whitney classes, Chern classes, Pontrjagin classes, and the Euler class. Three appendices cover the basics of cohomology theory and the differential forms approach to characteristic classes, and provide an account of Bernoulli numbers. Based on lecture notes of John Milnor, which first appeared at Princeton University in 1957 and have been widely studied by graduate students of topology ever since, this published version has been completely revised and corrected.