Understanding Mathematics

by Keith Gregson

Mathematics is essential to the work of scientists, engineers, and a whole host of other professions, but it can be difficult for non-mathematicians to master. Keith Gregson's near-painless tour of mathematics uses ample examples from the world around us and worked problems to teach the topics that non-mathematicians often struggle with. Gregson explains the fundamentals behind mathematical relationships and working with equations and teaches readers how to craft estimates. Using examples from the environmental and life sciences, individual chapters cover powers and logarithms, calculus, probability and statistics, and matrix algebra. Gregson also explains how to solve iterative problems, laying the groundwork to go from solving simple equations to calculating answers to real-world problems. Featuring end-of-chapter exercises and suggestions for further reading, this succinct account is a great resource for students of biological or environmental sciences as well as professionals seeking to brush up on basic skills.

Genres: Mathematics

176 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2008

Reviews

[Fotis Koutoulakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this one.

Gets a 5-star for the chapter on Differential Calculus alone, which contains very quick derivations using the derivative definition of all the main derivatives you can come across.