Description
Book SynopsisWhere did math come from? Who thought up all those algebra symbols, and why? What is the story behind ... negative numbers?... the metric system?... quadratic equations?... sine and cosine?... logs? The 30 independent historical sketches in
Math through the Ages answer these questions and many others in an informal, easygoing style.
Trade ReviewThis is a beautiful and important book, a pleasure to read, in which the history recounted fully illuminates the mathematical ideas, and the ideas themselves are superbly explained: a wonderful accomplishment."" —Barry Mazur, Harvard University
""
Math through the Ages' is a treasure, one of the best history of math books at its level ever written. Somehow, it manages to stay true to a surprisingly sophisticated story, while respecting the needs of its audience. Its overview of the subject captures most of what one needs to know, and the 30 sketches are small gems of exposition that stimulate further exploration."" —Glen van Brummelen, Quest University, President (2012-14) of the Canadian Society for History and Philosophy of Mathematics
