Mathematics in Civilization, Third Edition

By Howard L. Resnikoff, Raymond O. Wells Jr., Raymond O'Neil Wells

Book Overview

Space flight, computers, lasers, and information technology ― these are but a few examples of the spectacular growth, development, and far-reaching applications of mathematics. But what of the field's past? Upon which intellectual milestones were the foundations of modern mathematics constructed? How has our comprehension of the physical universe, language, and the nature of thought itself been influenced and informed by the developments of mathematics through the ages?
This lucid presentation examines how mathematics shaped and was shaped by the course of human events. In a format suited to college-level studies as well as popular reading, the book explores trigonometry, navigation, cartography, logarithms, algebra, and calculus through ancient, medieval, post-Renaissance, and modern times. Solutions to problems appear at the end of each chapter, and this edition has been newly expanded to include a supplement on events in mathematics since the 1985 publication of the first Dover edition. Acclaimed by Telegraphic Reviews as "an exceptionally good liberal arts math text," this highly readable treatment makes a technical subject vividly fascinating.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486789225
• ISBN13: 9780486789224
• Release Date: March 2015
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Entertaining and puts math in context

This book is easy and entertaining to read. It puts mathematics in context and motivates to study mathematics. The book also teaches to respect the work of all those mathematicians that have made it possible for us to reach the current level of civilization.