History of Mathematics: An Introduction - Hardcover

Burton, David M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0205080952 ISBN 13: 9780205080953

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, 1985

Synopsis

The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, Seventh Edition, is written for the one- or two-semester math history course taken by juniors or seniors, and covers the history behind the topics typically covered in an undergraduate math curriculum or in elementary schools or high schools. Elegantly written in David Burton’s inimitable prose, this classic text provides rich historical context to the mathematics that undergrad math and math education majors encounter every day. Burton illuminates the people, stories, and social context behind mathematics’ greatest historical advances while maintaining appropriate focus on the mathematical concepts themselves. Its wealth of information, mathematical and historical accuracy, and renowned presentation make The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, Seventh Edition a valuable resource that teachers and students will want as part of a permanent library.

About this title

From the Publisher

A detailed account of how mathematics has developed over the past 5000 years, presented primarily in chronological order, beginning with the origin of mathematics in the great civilizations of antiquity and progressing through the first few decades of this century.
Exercise Sets: Assorted exercises of varying degrees of difficulty have been interspersed throughout the text. Usually these problems typify a particular historical period, requiring the use of mathematical procedures of that time. Solutions to selected exercises are included at the back of the text.
The Mechanical World: Descartes and Newton (Chapter 8) has been expanded to include a treatment of projective geometry focusing on the work of Girard Desargues and Jean Poncelet. Additional coverage of the algebraists William Oughtred and Thomas Harriot, and John Wallis's development of the integral calculus has also been included.
Transition the the Twentieth Century: Cantor and Kroecker (Chapter 12)has been expanded to include the first few decades of the 20th century, emphasizing the activity of women mathematicians.
Expanded Biographies: Expanded discussion of Emilie du Chatelet, Evangelista Torricelli, Colin Maclaurin, and George Peacock.

Synopsis

This account of the development and discoveries in mathematics over the past 5000 years includes problems interspersed throughout which are linked to their historical context and require procedures available at that time to solve.

Edition details

• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
• Publication date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0205080952
• ISBN 13: 9780205080953
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 678