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What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods,Used
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For more than two thousand years a familiarity with mathematics has been regarded as an indispensable part of the intellectual equipment of every cultured person. Today, unfortunately, the traditional place of mathematics in education is in grave danger. The teaching and learning of mathematics has degenerated into the realm of rote memorization, the outcome of which leads to satisfactory formal ability but does not lead to real understanding or to greater intellectual independence. This new edition of Richard Courant's and Herbert Robbins's classic work seeks to address this problem. Its goal is to put the meaning back into mathematics.Written for beginners and scholars, for students and teachers, for philosophers and engineers, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition is a sparkling collection of mathematical gems that offers an entertaining and accessible portrait of the mathematical world. Covering everything from natural numbers and the number system to geometrical constructions and projective geometry, from topology and calculus to matters of principle and the Continuum Hypothesis, this fascinating survey allows readers to delve into mathematics as an organic whole rather than an empty drill in problem solving. With chapters largely independent of one another and sections that lead upward from basic to more advanced discussions, readers can easily pick and choose areas of particular interest without impairing their understanding of subsequent parts.Brought up to date with a new chapter by Ian Stewart, What is Mathematics?, Second Edition offers new insights into recent mathematical developments and describes proofs of the FourColor Theorem and Fermat's Last Theorem, problems that were still open when Courant and Robbins wrote this masterpiece, but ones that have since been solved.Formal mathematics is like spelling and grammara matter of the correct application of local rules. Meaningful mathematics is like journalismit tells an interesting story. But unlike some journalism, the story has to be true. The best mathematics is like literatureit brings a story to life before your eyes and involves you in it, intellectually and emotionally. What is Mathematics is like a fine piece of literatureit opens a window onto the world of mathematics for anyone interested to view.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods'? A: The book emphasizes understanding the meaning behind mathematical concepts rather than rote memorization, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of mathematics as an organic whole.
- Q: Who is the target audience for this book? A: This book is designed for a wide audience, including beginners, scholars, students, teachers, philosophers, and engineers, making it accessible to anyone interested in mathematics.
- Q: What topics are covered in this edition of the book? A: The book covers a range of topics including natural numbers, geometry, topology, calculus, and significant mathematical principles such as the Continuum Hypothesis.
- Q: Is this book suitable for self-study? A: Yes, the book's structure allows readers to easily navigate through chapters, making it suitable for self-study as each section is largely independent.
- Q: What is new in the second edition of this book? A: The second edition includes a new chapter by Ian Stewart that offers insights into recent mathematical developments and discusses proofs of the Four-Color Theorem and Fermat's Last Theorem.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 592 pages, providing an extensive resource for learning about mathematics.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This edition is bound in paperback, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'What Is Mathematics?'? A: The book was published on July 18, 1996.
- Q: Who are the authors of this book? A: The book is authored by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins, both of whom are renowned figures in the field of mathematics.
- Q: What kind of mathematical approach does the book advocate? A: The book advocates for a meaningful approach to mathematics, likening it to storytelling that engages readers intellectually and emotionally.