The Britannica Guide to Numbers and MeasurementWilliam L. Hosch Associate Editor, Science and Technology Communication and, indeed, our comprehension of the world in general are largely ordered by the number and measurement systems that have arisen over time. Numbers lend structure to human interaction by standardizing the language we use to interpret quantities and by helping us understand natural relationships between varying concepts. This book delves into the history of mathematical reasoning and the progression of numerical thought around the world. With detailed biographies of seminal thinkers and theorists, readers develop a sophisticated understanding of some of the most fundamental arithmetical concepts as well as the individuals who established them. |
Contents
Introduction | 13 |
Numbers | 21 |
Decimal Number System | 31 |
Development of Modern Numerals | 34 |
Integers | 40 |
Modular Arithmetic | 49 |
Number Theory in the 18th | 64 |
Unsolved Problems | 70 |
Factorial | 167 |
Harmonic Sequence | 173 |
Lagranges FourSquare Theorem | 179 |
Pseudoprime | 185 |
Transfinite Number | 194 |
Measurements | 201 |
The English and U S Customary | 209 |
The Metric System | 219 |
Theory | 94 |
Renaissance Europe | 111 |
Numerical Terms | 150 |
Dedekind | 161 |
Measurement Instruments and Systems | 225 |
Measurement Terms | 237 |
Glossary | 271 |
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The Britannica Guide to Numbers and Measurement Britannica Educational Publishing Limited preview - 2010 |
Common terms and phrases
algebraic algorithm ancient arithmetic Arithmetica Aryabhata astronomical axiom of choice axiom schema axiomatic set theory Babylonian base bers binary called Cantor cardinal numbers Carl Friedrich Gauss century concept conjecture consistent continuum hypothesis cubic inches decimal Dedekind defined developed digits Diophantus divided divisors elements equal equations equivalent Euclid Euler example existence factors finite formula fraction Frege geometry German mathematician Goldbach grains grams Greek infinite sets irrational numbers known Kurt Gödel Leonhard Euler litres logarithms logic mathe mathematician mathematics Mersenne metre metric system modern modular arithmetic multiplication natural numbers Neumann notation number theory numeral system objects ordinal ounce pair perfect numbers Pierre de Fermat positive integers pound prime number theorem problems proof proved published rational numbers real numbers relation result sequence solution square standard subset symbol theory of numbers tion transfinite numbers Turing unit weights and measures whole numbers zero