Reading, Writing, and Proving: A Closer Look at Mathematics (Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics) - Hardcover

Daepp, Ulrich; Gorkin, Pamela

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1441994785 ISBN 13: 9781441994783

Publisher: Springer, 2011

Synopsis

This book, which is based on Pólya's method of problem solving, aids students in their transition from calculus (or precalculus) to higher-level mathematics. The book begins by providing a great deal of guidance on how to approach definitions, examples, and theorems in mathematics and ends with suggested projects for independent study.

 

Students will follow Pólya's four step approach: analyzing the problem, devising a plan to solve the problem, carrying out that plan, and then determining the implication of the result. In addition to the Pólya approach to proofs, this book places special emphasis on reading proofs carefully and writing them well. The authors have included a wide variety of problems, examples, illustrations and exercises, some with hints and solutions, designed specifically to improve the student's ability to read and write proofs.

 

Historical connections are made throughout the text, and students are encouraged to use the rather extensivebibliography to begin making connections of their own. While standard texts in this area prepare students for future courses in algebra, this book also includes chapters on sequences, convergence, and metric spaces for those wanting to bridge the gap between the standard course in calculus and one in analysis.

About this title

About the Author

Ueli Daepp is an associate professor of mathematics at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. He was born and educated in Bern, Switzerland and completed his PhD at Michigan State University. His primary field of research is algebraic geometry and commutative algebra.

Pamela Gorkin is a professor of mathematics at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. She also received her PhD from Michigan State where she worked under the director of Sheldon Axler. Prof. Gorkin’s research focuses on functional analysis and operator theory.

Ulrich Daepp and Pamela Gorkin co-authored of the first edition of “Reading, Writing, and Proving” whose first edition published in 2003. To date the first edition (978-0-387-00834-9 ) has sold over 3000 copies.

From the Back Cover

Reading, Writing, and Proving is designed to guide mathematics students during their transition from algorithm-based courses such as calculus, to theorem and proof-based courses. This text not only introduces the various proof techniques and other foundational principles of higher mathematics in great detail, but also assists and inspires students to develop the necessary abilities to read, write, and prove using mathematical definitions, examples, and theorems that are required for success in navigating advanced mathematics courses.

In addition to an introduction to mathematical logic, set theory, and the various methods of proof, this textbook prepares students for future courses by providing a strong foundation in the fields of number theory, abstract algebra, and analysis. Also included are a wide variety of examples and exercises as well as a rich selection of unique projects that provide students with an opportunity to investigate a topic independently or as partof a collaborative effort.

New features of the Second Edition include the addition of formal statements of definitions at the end of each chapter; a new chapter featuring the Cantor–Schröder–Bernstein theorem with a spotlight on the continuum hypothesis; over 200 new problems; two new student projects; and more. An electronic solutions manual to selected problems is available online.

From the reviews of the First Edition:

“The book…emphasizes Pòlya’s four-part framework for problem solving (from his book How to Solve It)…[it] contains more than enough material for a one-semester course, and is designed to give the instructor wide leeway in choosing topics to emphasize…This book has a rich selection of problems for the student to ponder, in addition to "exercises" that come with hints or complete solutions…I was charmed by this book and found it quite enticing.”

– Marcia G. Fung for MAA Reviews

“… A book worthy of serious consideration for courses whose goal is to prepare students for upper-division mathematics courses. Summing Up: Highly recommended.”

– J. R. Burke, Gonzaga University for CHOICE Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1441994785
• ISBN 13: 9781441994783
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 392