Creative Mathematics: A Gateway to Research (AIMS Library of Mathematical Sciences)

Beardon, Alan F.

ISBN 10: 052113059X / ISBN 13: 9780521130592

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2010

About this Item

This book explains how to think like a mathematician, and provides good advice on how to become one. Series: Aims Library Series. Num Pages: 128 pages, 10 b/w illus. BIC Classification: PB. Category: (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 142 x 216 x 10. Weight in Grams: 162. . 2010. 1st Edition. paperback. . . . .

Seller Inventory # V9780521130592

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Creative Mathematics: A Gateway to Research (AIMS Library of Mathematical Sciences)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052113059X
• ISBN 13: 9780521130592
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

How do mathematicians approach a problem, explore the possibilities, and develop an understanding of a whole area around it? The issue is not simply about obtaining ‘the answer'; rather, Beardon explains that a mathematical problem is just one of many related ones that should be simultaneously investigated and discussed at various levels, and that understanding this is a crucial step in becoming a creative mathematician. The book begins with some good advice about procedure, presentation, and organization that will benefit every mathematician, budding, teaching or practiced. In the rest of the book, Beardon presents a series of simple problems, then, through discussion, consideration of special cases, computer experiments, and so on, the reader is taken through these same problems, but at an increasing level of sophistication and generality. Mathematics is rarely a closed book, and seemingly innocent problems, when examined and explored, can lead to results of significance.

Book Description

How do mathematicians approach a problem and explore the possibilities? Beardon explains that a mathematical problem is just one of many related ones that should be simultaneously investigated and discussed at various levels, and that understanding this is a crucial step in becoming a creative mathematician.