Zetetics and the art of mathematical enquiry

Research output: Book/ReportBook

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.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationNewcastle upon Tyne
PublisherCambridge Scholars Publishing
Number of pages260
ISBN (Print)9781443857215
Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Zetetics and the art of mathematical enquiry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this