Mathematics, A K Peters Books
Yearning for the Impossible
The Surprising Truths of Mathematics
Author:
Stillwell, John
Isbn 13:
9781568812540
ISBN: 156881254X
Pub Date:
Jun 15, 2006
Publisher:
A K Peters, Ltd.
Shipping Weight: 1.10 pounds
Status:
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Quantum Price: $26.96
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This book explores the history of mathematics from the perspective of the creative tension between common sense and the impossible as the author follows the discovery or invention of new concepts that have marked mathematical progress: Irrational and Imaginary Numbers, The Fourth Dimension, Curved Space, Infinity and others. The author puts these creations into a broader context involving related impossibilities from art, literature, philosophy, and physics. By imbedding mathematics into a broader cultural context and through his clever and enthusiastic explication of mathematical ideas the author broadens the horizon of students beyond the narrow confines of rote memorization and engages those who are curious about the place of mathematics in our intellectual landscape.
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