Search results for ""author alfred s posamentier""

An entertaining history of mathematics as chronicled through fifty short biographies. Mathematics today is the fruit of centuries of brilliant insights by men and women whose personalities and life experiences were often as extraordinary as their mathematical achievements. This entertaining history of mathematics chronicles those achievements through fifty short biographies that bring these great thinkers to life while making their contributions understandable to readers with little math background. Among the fascinating characters profiled are Isaac Newton (1642-1727), the founder of classical physics and infinitesimal calculus--he frequently quarreled with fellow scientists and was obsessed by alchemy and arcane Bible interpretation; Sophie Germain (1776 - 1831), who studied secretly at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, using the name of a previously enrolled male student--she is remembered for her work on Fermat's Last Theorem and on elasticity theory; Emmy Noether (1882 - 1935), whom Albert Einstein described as the most important woman in the history of mathematics--she made important contributions to abstract algebra and in physics she clarified the connection between conservation laws and symmetry; and Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920), who came from humble origins in India and had almost no formal training, yet made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. The unusual behavior and life circumstances of these and many other intriguing personalities make for fascinating reading and a highly enjoyable introduction to mathematics.

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'The reference list is excellent. This is a worthwhile (though 'niche') book that will be attractive to a particular sector of the general reading public interested in mathematical riddles and puzzles. Professional educators might well employ it in integrated learning settings. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.'CHOICEImmerse yourself in the fascinating world of geometry and spatial ability — either individually or in small groups, either as challenges or play problems! Here are four reasons why you should work with this book:This book offers a very unique opportunity to enhance your spatial ability, your mathematical competence, and your logical thinking. The authors arranged 45 problems — including more than 120 tasks — in a well-balanced order, which have been tested with a variety of populations.

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The circle has fascinated mathematicians since ancient times. This entertaining book describes in layperson's terms the many intriguing properties of this fundamental shape. If math has intimidated you, this may be the ideal book to help you appreciate the discipline through one of its most important elements. The authors begin with a brief review of the basic properties of the circle and related figures. They then show the many ways in which the circle manifests itself in the field of geometry--leading to some amazing relationships and truly important geometric theorems. In addition, they explore remarkable circle constructions and demonstrate how all constructions in geometry that usually require an unmarked straightedge and a compass can also be done with the compass alone. Among other things, the reader will learn that circles can generate some unusual curves - many even quite artistic. Finally, the role of circles in art and architecture and a discussion of the circle's place on the sphere bring "full circle" this presentation of a key element of geometry.

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Many schools throughout the United States are now employing coaches to support teachers in the teaching of mathematics. Very often, these are professionals selected from the current teaching ranks who did not receive any special training to serve as a coach. This book provides the skills, knowledge, and lessons from experience that lead such a mentor to function effectively. Aside from describing the basic duties of an effective math coach, we also provide a plethora of resources to enrich instruction, improve problem-solving direction, and provide teachers with a wide variety of techniques to enhance their teaching effectiveness.

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The Pythagorean theorem may be the best-known equation in mathematics. Its origins reach back to the beginnings of civilization, and today every student continues to study it. What most nonmathematicians don't understand or appreciate is why this simply stated theorem has fascinated countless generations. In this entertaining and informative book, a veteran math educator makes the importance of the Pythagorean theorem delightfully clear. He begins with a brief history of Pythagoras and the early use of his theorem by the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Indians, and Chinese, who used it intuitively long before Pythagoras's name was attached to it. He then shows the many ingenious ways in which the theorem has been proved visually using highly imaginative diagrams. Some of these go back to ancient mathematicians; others are comparatively recent proofs, including one by the twentieth president of the United States, James A. Garfield. After demonstrating some curious applications of the theorem, the author then explores the Pythagorean triples, pointing out the many hidden surprises of the three numbers that can represent the sides of the right triangle (e.g, 3, 4, 5 and 5, 12, 13). And many will truly amaze the reader. He then turns to the "Pythagorean means" (the arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic means). By comparing their magnitudes in a variety of ways, he gives the reader a true appreciation for these mathematical concepts. The final two chapters view the Pythagorean theorem from an artistic point of view - namely, how Pythagoras's work manifests itself in music and how the Pythagorean theorem can influence fractals. The author's lucid presentation and gift for conveying the significance of this key equation to those with little math background will inform, entertain, and inspire the reader, once again demonstrating the power and beauty of mathematics!

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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.

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