A Smoother Pebble: Mathematical Explorations (Mathematics)
By Donald C. Benson
* Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
* Number Of Pages: 280
* Publication Date: 2003-10-30
* ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0195144368
* ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780195144369
* Binding: Hardcover
Product Description:
This book takes a novel look at the topics of school mathematics--arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and calculus. In this stroll on the mathematical seashore we hope to find, quoting Newton, "...a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary..." This book assembles a collection of
mathematical pebbles that are important as well as beautiful.
Summary: An Interesting Guide to the History of Mathematics
Rating: 5
This is definitely a very interesting book for anyone interested in Math. Most people, including myself, originally studied Math only to find out how to solve particular problems and never learned any of the interesting history associated with Math. A Smoother Pebble presents many interesting aspects of this history: for example, the horribly awkward use of Egyptian Unit Fractions and of Babylonian's Sexagesimal Number System. It also describes the mathematical ratios involved with the musical scales.
I also found it interesting how the early use of graphs developed and the connection between Algebra and Geometry and the history involved in trying to find the path of fastest decent. I'm sure that a reader will also find other areas of particular interest.
http://ifile.it/ao1b2x5/0195144368.rar
