Abstract
Mathematics has a rich history from cultures around the world, which can extend and enrich the appreciation and learning of mathematical concepts. This book provides inspiration for mathematics educators, and enrichment and extension for able students of mathematics, by exploring the development of mathematical concepts from historical and cultural perspectives. Others with an interest in mathematics will also enjoy reading it.
Each chapter uses original historical material to introduce a mathematical concept that is then explored through new and unusual perspectives. The book presents several new mathematical “discoveries and inventions”, and offers a re-interpretation of traditional approaches to a range of mathematical problems, doing so in a rigorous way.
Topics include numeracy, the abacus, Mesopotamian mathematics, music and mathematics, public-key cryptography, Pythagoras’ theorem, proof by contradiction, the holistic nature of trigonometry, and an introduction to integral calculus. Throughout is reflected the author's enthusiastic style of teaching and his entertaining approach to mathematics, which highlight active engagement with significant mathematical problems and hands-on modelling to build deep understanding of the concepts.
Each chapter uses original historical material to introduce a mathematical concept that is then explored through new and unusual perspectives. The book presents several new mathematical “discoveries and inventions”, and offers a re-interpretation of traditional approaches to a range of mathematical problems, doing so in a rigorous way.
Topics include numeracy, the abacus, Mesopotamian mathematics, music and mathematics, public-key cryptography, Pythagoras’ theorem, proof by contradiction, the holistic nature of trigonometry, and an introduction to integral calculus. Throughout is reflected the author's enthusiastic style of teaching and his entertaining approach to mathematics, which highlight active engagement with significant mathematical problems and hands-on modelling to build deep understanding of the concepts.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Newcastle upon Tyne |
Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
Number of pages | 260 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781443857215 |
Publication status | Published - 31 Mar 2023 |