The Nature and Power of Mathematics
Summary
The feel-good place to buy books
The Nature and Power of Mathematics by Donald M Davis
In this engaging book, Donald Davis explains some of the most fascinating ideas in mathematics to the nonspecialist, highlighting their philosophical and historical interest, their often surprising applicability, and their beauty. The three main topics discussed are non-Euclidean geometry, with its application to the theory of relativity; number theory, with its application to cryptography; and fractals, which are an application in art, among other areas, of early mathematical work on iteration. Other topics include the influence of Greek mathematics on Kepler's laws of planetary motion, and the theoretical work that led to the development of computers. Assuming the reader has some background in basic algebra and geometry, Davis relies on exercises to develop some of the important concepts. These exercises are designed to improve the reader's ability in logic, and enable him or her actually to experience mathematics at increasingly advanced levels.
"The author's enthusiasm for the subject is evident; the reader is swept along through a galaxy of ideas and is left with the feeling of having gained a deeper understanding of at least some branches of mathematicsIt is written in a straightforward style with no gimmicks."--The Times Higher Education Supplement
Donald M. Davis is Professor of Mathematics at Lehigh University.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780691025629 |
| ISBN 10 | 0691025622 |
| Title | The Nature and Power of Mathematics |
| Author | Donald M Davis |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Princeton University Press |
| Year published | 1993-11-21 |
| Number of pages | 408 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |