Mathematics: The Study of Numbers, Quantity, and Space (The Story of Math: Core Principles of Mathematics)

ISBN 10: 1622755308 ISBN 13: 9781622755301

Publisher: Britannica Educational Pub, 2014

Synopsis

This insightful guide to the history and basic concepts of mathematics reveals how math concepts helped to shape society--from the basic counting and units of measurement that facilitated commerce to the kind of surveying techniques and geometry that helped build the Egyptian pyramids. A chronological account of advancements in mathematics ranges Aristotle and al-Khwarizmi (who first used the term "algebra") to high-speed computers and their impact upon the teaching and understanding of mathematics. Readers will also find out how much of ancient arithmetic--like the 6 minute hour--is still part of our everyday life.

About this title

Reviews

Gr 8 Up—Heavy on text, these books attempt to relate the basic principles of several mathematical fields but fall short. Seemingly straightforward concepts are unnecessarily complicated, be it through jargon or information overload. There's little variation in the black-and-white color scheme and few illustrations, diagrams, and equations to break up the long blocks of text, making the reading experience cumbersome. VERDICT This series is unlikely to hold reader interest and may be more confusing than enlightening.

Edition details

• Publisher: Britannica Educational Pub
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1622755308
• ISBN 13: 9781622755301
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 72
• Editor: Baptiste Tracey