This lively and accessible exploration of the nature of mathematics examines the role of the mathematician as well as the four major branches: number theory, algebra, geometry, and analysis.
Excursions in Classical Analysis will introduce students to advanced problem solving and undergraduate research in two ways: it will provide a tour of classical analysis, showcasing a wide variety of problems that are placed in historical context, and it will help students gain mastery of mathematical discovery and proof. The [Author]; presents a variety of solutions for the problems in the book. Some solutions reach back to the work of mathematicians like Leonhard Euler while others connect to other beautiful parts of mathematics. Readers will frequently see problems solved by using an idea that, at first glance, might not even seem to apply to that problem. Other solutions employ a specific technique that can be used to solve many different kinds of problems. Excursions emphasizes the rich and elegant interplay between continuous and discrete mathematics by applying induction, recursion, and combinatorics to traditional problems in classical analysis. The book will be useful in students' preparations for mathematics competitions, in undergraduate reading courses and seminars, and in analysis courses as a supplement. The book is also ideal for self study, since the chapters are independent of one another and may be read in any order.
How mathematics helped build the world's most important buildings from early Egypt to the present From the pyramids and the Parthenon to the Sydney Opera House and the Bilbao Guggenheim, this book takes readers on an eye-opening tour of the mathematics behind some of the world's most spectacular buildings. Beautifully illustrated, the book explores the milestones in elementary mathematics that enliven the understanding of these buildings and combines this with an in-depth look at their aesthetics, history, and structure. Whether using trigonometry and vectors to explain why Gothic arches are structurally superior to Roman arches, or showing how simple ruler and compass constructions can produce sophisticated architectural details, Alexander Hahn describes the points at which elementary mathematics and architecture intersect. Beginning in prehistoric times, Hahn proceeds to guide readers through the Greek, Roman, Islamic, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and modern styles. He explores the unique features of the Pantheon, the Hagia Sophia, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Duomo in Florence, Palladio's villas, and Saint Peter's Basilica, as well as the U.S. Capitol Building. Hahn celebrates the forms and structures of architecture made possible by mathematical achievements from Greek geometry, the Hindu-Arabic number system, two- and three-dimensional coordinate geometry, and calculus. Along the way, Hahn introduces groundbreaking architects, including Brunelleschi, Alberti, da Vinci, Bramante, Michelangelo, della Porta, Wren, Gaudí, Saarinen, Utzon, and Gehry. Rich in detail, this book takes readers on an expedition around the globe, providing a deeper understanding of the mathematical forces at play in the world's most elegant buildings.
Challenging, accessible mathematical adventures involving prime numbers, number patterns, irrationals and iterations, calculating prodigies, and more. No special training is needed, just high school mathematics and an inquisitive mind. "A splendidly written, well selected and presented collection. I recommend the book unreservedly to all readers." — Martin Gardner.
Were it not for the calculus, mathematicians would have no way to describe the acceleration of a motorcycle or the effect of gravity on thrown balls and distant planets, or to prove that a man could cross a room and eventually touch the opposite wall. Just how calculus makes these things possible and in doing so finds a correspondence between real numbers and the real world is the subject of this dazzling book by a writer of extraordinary clarity and stylistic brio. Even as he initiates us into the mysteries of real numbers, functions, and limits, Berlinski explores the furthest implications of his subject, revealing how the calculus reconciles the precision of numbers with the fluidity of the changing universe. "An odd and tantalizing book by a writer who takes immense pleasure in this great mathematical tool, and tries to create it in others."--New York Times Book Review
This book provides a comprehensive, in-depth overview of elementary mathematics as explored in Mathematical Olympiads around the world. It expands on topics usually encountered in high school and could even be used as preparation for a first-semester undergraduate course. This first volume covers Real Numbers, Functions, Real Analysis, Systems of Equations, Limits and Derivatives, and much more. As part of a collection, the book differs from other publications in this field by not being a mere selection of questions or a set of tips and tricks that applies to specific problems. It starts from the most basic theoretical principles, without being either too general or too axiomatic. Examples and problems are discussed only if they are helpful as applications of the theory. Propositions are proved in detail and subsequently applied to Olympic problems or to other problems at the Olympic level. The book also explores some of the hardest problems presented at National and International Mathematics Olympiads, as well as many essential theorems related to the content. An extensive Appendix offering hints on or full solutions for all difficult problems rounds out the book.
"Disability and Academic Exclusion interrogates obstacles the disabled have encountered in education, from a historical perspective that begins with the denial of literacy to minorities in the colonial era to the later centuries' subsequent intolerance of writing, orality, and literacy mastered by former slaves, women, and the disabled. The text then questions where we stand today in regards to the university-wide rhetoric on promoting diversity and accommodating disability in the classroom." Amazon.com viewed 6/2/2020.
Developed for the liberal arts math course by a seasoned author team,Mathematical Excursions,is uniquely designed to help students see math at work in the contemporary world. Using the proven Aufmann Interactive Method, students learn to master problem-solving in meaningful contexts. In addition, multi-partExcursionexercises emphasize collaborative learning. The text's extensive topical coverage offers instructors flexibility in designing a course that meets their students' needs and curriculum requirements. TheExcursionsactivity and correspondingExcursion Exercises,denoted by an icon, conclude each section, providing opportunities for in-class cooperative work, hands-on learning, and development of critical-thinking skills. These activities are also ideal for projects or extra credit assignments. TheExcursionsare designed to reinforce the material that has just been covered in the section in a fun and engaging manner that will enhance a student's journey and discovery of mathematics. The proven Aufmann Interactive Method ensures that students try concepts and manipulate real-life data as they progress through the material. Every objective contains at least one set of matched-pair examples. The method begins with a worked-out example with a solution in numerical and verbal formats to address different learning styles. The matched problem, calledCheck Your Progress,is left for the student to try. Each problem includes a reference to a fully worked out solution in an appendix to which the student can refer for immediate feedback, concept reinforcement, identification of problem areas, and prevention of frustration. Eduspace, powered by Blackboard, for the Aufmann/Lockwood/Nation/CleggMath Excursionscourse features algorithmic exercises and test bank content in question pools.