The History of Mathematics: A Brief Course

Front Cover
Wiley, Oct 7, 1997 - Mathematics - 530 pages
This pragmatic, issues-oriented history traces the discovery, solution, and application of mathematical problems.

From the arithmetic of the ancient Egyptians to the intricacies of postcalculus math, The History of Mathematics: A Brief Course focuses on how mathematics has developed over the centuries. Roger Cooke has selected the most intriguing and significant problems in the history of mathematics and asked of each one: Why was it important? How was it solved? How was its solution applied? Did its solution lead to further advances in the field?

The carefully selected topics in this book include

  • The nature and origins of mathematics
  • Early Western mathematics as practiced by the Egyptians, the Mesopotamians, the Greeks, and the Romans
  • Non-Western traditions, including Hindu, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Islamic mathematics
  • The development of modern mathematics from the Middle Ages to the calculus and other seventeenth-century discoveries to today's number theory
  • The relationship of modern mathematics to science
  • Contemporary issues in mathematics, including the role of women and minorities.

This readable, up-to-date study is ideal for undergraduate courses in mathematics and mathematics education. Everyone interested in the field will want to keep a copy of The History of Mathematics close at hand.

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Contents

1
5
Beyond the Calculus
17
Ancient Egyptian Mathematics
25
Copyright

30 other sections not shown

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The History of Mathematics: A Brief Course
Roger Cooke
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Common terms and phrases

Al-Khwarizmi algebra algorithm angle Apollonius application approximation Archimedes Aristotle arithmetic Aryabhata astronomy axis Book Brahmagupta calculus called century B.C.E. chapter China Chinese chord circle coefficients complex numbers computation cone conic sections considered construction cube cubic equation curve cylinder diameter Diophantus discussion ellipse equal Euclid Euclidean Euclidean algorithm example Exercise fact Fermat Figure finite formula functions geometry given gives Greek Hindu infinite integers intersection known large number Leibniz length line segments locus mathematicians mathematics mean proportional measure method modern motion multiplied number theory pair Pappus parallel parallel postulate perpendicular plane principle problem proof Proposition proved Ptolemy Pythagorean theorem quadratic equations quartic equations question radius ratio rational numbers rectangle result right triangle says scholars Seki Kowa shows side solution solve sphere square root straight line subtract Tang Dynasty tangent translation treatise trigonometry variables velocity volume weight word

About the author (1997)

Roger Cooke is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Vermont. For many years he has taught a general introduction to the history of mathematics.

Bibliographic information

TitleThe History of Mathematics: A Brief Course
Wiley-Interscience publication
AuthorRoger Cooke
Editionillustrated
PublisherWiley, 1997
Original fromthe University of Michigan
DigitizedFeb 2, 2010
ISBN0471180823, 9780471180821
Length530 pages
Subjects › 

Mathematics / General
Mathematics / History & Philosophy
  
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