Realm of Numbers

By Isaac Asimov

Book Overview

Explanations of mathematical techniques and principles are combined with the history of mathematics. Includes simple arithmetic, square root, logarithms, and even imaginary numbers. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0449243990
• ISBN13: 9780449243992
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Fawcett Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Great

I received the book well packed, in due time and according to the description, a satisfactory purchase.

A non-technical introduction to the progression of numbers

In this book, Asimov takes you through the development of numbers, from the initial set of positive integers through the transfinite alephs. The progression is logical, he first establishes the infinitude of the positive integers and then explains the reasons why negative numbers are needed. Along with the negative integers, he explains the basic rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as applied to integers. Subtraction is used to justify the need for negative integers and then division to explain the need for fractions. Asimov uses the applications for commerce to describe how negative numbers and fractions came to be accepted. At one point, he argues that the most powerful force driving the development of early mathematics was the need for the rulers of civilization to assess the values of land and collect the appropriate taxes. Interesting thought, and quite likely true. Negative numbers no doubt have their origin in the computation of back taxes and plane geometry and fractions arose from the need to measure and subdivide land. The more complicated computations of the areas of non-rectangular regions also led to the development of a great deal of geometry. After fractions are covered, he then goes on to explain infinite decimals, starting with those that repeat and then to the ones that do not. Complex numbers are next, although here, he is somewhat limited in the explanation of the details in how arithmetic is done on complex numbers. Written at the level of the middle school student, Asimov is once again at his best, explaining the various categories of numbers and showing why they are needed in the modern world. This book is very suitable reading for students at that level.

A MUST HAVE FOR THE ILNUMERATE

Asimov as usual turns the complex into the easy. This book starts with the first thoughts of math and how it logically evovled. A must for anyone who lacks number sense. Invaluable for the elementary school teacher.