How it All Began: A Thematic History of Mathematics

(Paperback)

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Description

Intended for undergraduate mathematics students and teachers, How it All Began provides an introduction to the history of various branches of mathematics, the lives of the mathematicians, and the challenges they faced_which helped lead them to their mathematical discoveries. Written in a slightly more technical style than typical histories of mathematics, this book brings the 'characters' of mathematics to life while prompting analysis into the meaning and practice of their mathematical discoveries. How it All Began explores the great Greek legacy, Indian arithmetic, Integral Calculus, the Analytic Geometry of Rene Descartes, Differential Calculus, the Non-Commutative Algebra of Hamilton, the arithmetization of analysis, and the beginnings of Algebra. Using a topical organization method, How it All Began is a perfect supplement to standard mathematics texts and classroom instruction focused on specific subject matter.

Reviews

This little book is an interesting...view of the history of mathematics. Wagh (deceased) chronicles the development of mathematics by examining the motivations and content of various branches as they evolved. Summing Up: Optional. General readers; upper-division undergraduates. -- R. L. Pour, Emory and Henry College * Choice Reviews *

Author Bio

Dattatray B. Wagh is a well-known educator and author from the Western region of India. He headed the Mathematics departments at Ruia College and Wilson College in Bombay; served as the Principal of the first college in Goa; and later served as the Director for Bombay UniversityOs postgraduate instruction and research center in Goa, which laid the foundations for the present Goa University. Professor Wagh has devoted his professional and personal life to education and has helped establish and manage numerous schools and colleges in rural and urban areas of India. He was a member of various academic committees of Bombay University including the Senate, the highest academic body of the University. He is the author of five other books including three popular texts on college mathematics and a book on Ramanujan.