Conquering Mathematics: From Arithmetic to Calculus - Hardcover

Motz, Lloyd; Weaver, Jefferson Hane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0306437686 ISBN 13: 9780306437687

Publisher: Springer, 1991

Synopsis

We have designed and written this book. not as a text nor for the professional mathematician. but for the general reader who is naturally attracted to mathematics as a great intellec­ tual challenge. and for the special reader whose work requires him to have a deeper understanding of mathematics than he acquired in school. Readers in the first group are drawn to mental recreational activities such as chess. bridge. and various types of puzzles. but they generally do not respond enthusiastically to mathematics because of their unhappy learning experiences with it during their school days. The readers in the secondgrouptum to mathematics as a necessity. but with painful resignation and considerable apprehension regarding their abilities to master the branch ofmathematics they need in their work. In either case. the fear of and revulsion to mathematics felt by these readers usually stem from their earlier frustrating encounters with it. vii viii PREFACE This book will show these readers that these fears, frustrations, and general antipathy are unwarranted, for, as stated, it is not a textbook full of long, boring proofs and hundreds of problems, rather it is an intellectual adventure, to be read with pleasure. It was written to be easily accessible and with concern for the mental tranquilityofthe reader who willexperience considerable fulfillment when he/she sees the simplicity of basic mathematics. The emphasis throughout this book is on the clear explanation of mathematical con­ cepts.

About this title

From the Back Cover

In the straightforward, accessible fashion that has become their hallmark, these eloquent authors calmly lead the most fearful readers through the fundamentals of practical arithmetic and beyond.

Reviews

This book by the authors of The Concepts of Science ( LJ 5/15/88) aims to present mathematics in a palatable way for persons who need to master some of the basics but who bear unhappy memories of mathematics from their school days. Topics covered include arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; the material is mainly at a high school and college freshman level. Although some attention is paid to applications, the authors concentrate on a simplified walkthrough of the mathematical details. Rigorous proofs are not generally supplied; this is understandable and acceptable in view of the intended audience. The book should prove comprehensible for readers with a "need-to-know," but a high level of self-motivation is required; the approach is rather pedestrian and uninspiring. However, this book may be of interest to school and public libraries.
-Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306437686
• ISBN 13: 9780306437687
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 319