Algebra in Ancient and Modern Times (MATHEMATICAL WORLD) - Softcover

Varadarajan, V. S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 082180989X ISBN 13: 9780821809891

Publisher: Amer Mathematical Society, 1998

Synopsis

Presents the basics of modern algebra at a very elementary level that presumes no background in calculus. The author uses a historical approach showing the growth of algebra from its ancient origins (Indian and Italian) to its current state, presenting the material in a way that allows the student to see how the ideas emerged in the attempt to answer specific questions. Outlines some modern themes, such as the fundamental theorem, Clifford algebras, and quarternions. Co-published with the Hindustan Book Agency (New Delhi) and distributed by the American Mathematical Society. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

About this title

Review

"The book was written for freshmen students who should learn algebra by its history. So the topics mentioned above are treated from a mathematical as well as a historical point of view. The material is presented in a way that students should see how ideas have emerged. In some cases a rough look forward to the modern development is given. Many sections are supplemented by notes and exercises, which contain a lot of mathematics as well as additional historical facts. The book is completed by a very short list of references and an index." ---- Zentralblatt MATH

"This is a fine book on two counts. First ... there is the singularly excellent treatment of the solution of biquadratic equations. Second, it paints a strong picture of mathematics as a very long sequence of accomplishments, each building on the ones before, in a way that beginning mathematicians can understand and appreciate it. It paints the picture in a concise and economical style, the style that mathematicians find elegant. I would particularly recommend Algebra in Ancient and Modern Times to strong high school students, to high school algebra teachers, to people who want a history of mathematics with a lot of mathematics in the history, and to anyone who needs to know how to find an analytic solution to a nasty fourth degree polynomial." ---- MAA Online

"Varadarajan spins a captivating tale, and the mathematics is first-rate. The book belongs on the shelf of any teacher of algebra ... The great treasure of this book is the discussion of the work of the great Hindu mathematicians Aryabhata (c.476-550), Brahmagupta (c.598-665), and Bhaskara (c.1114-1185). Teachers of mathematics history will be especially interested in Varadarajan's exposition of the remarkable cakravala, an algorithm for solving $X^2 - NY^2= \pm 1$. The book contains many exercises that enhance and supplement the text and that also include historical information. Many of the exercises ask readers to apply the historical techniques. Some of the exercises are quite difficult and will challenge any student." ---- Mathematics Teacher

Edition details

• Publisher: Amer Mathematical Society
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 082180989X
• ISBN 13: 9780821809891
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 142