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The Bedside Book Of Algebra
A collection of problems - some with a very practical application, others designed as purely theoretical puzzles - that will offer something of interest to everyone. Each section is written in an easy-to-follow format and guides the reader progressively through this fascinating subject.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 28, 2013
Mooi overzicht over de verschillende wiskundige domeinen.
September 9, 2020
An awesome book on algebra and its history, from a very enthusiastic mathematician who makes it quite clear that he is enjoying the fact that he is writing a book on the field.
The book is incredibly informative, and goes into the history of many areas of algebra, as well as explaining how you use them quite well in order to further the reader's understanding of the matter, which is really helpful. He also goes into other areas such as cryptography, which were also very interesting. Definitely recommend it for other mathematics enthusiasts out there, as I, a fellow enthusiast, felt very pleasant after finishing it; the author did an amazing job at ensuring I remain passionate about this field of mathematics, and clearly shows how well-read and passionate he himself is.
Only problem was a lot of the mathematics in the book was quite simple; I liked reading the history and such but surely someone reading the book does not need help with learning the quadratic equation and so on.
The book is incredibly informative, and goes into the history of many areas of algebra, as well as explaining how you use them quite well in order to further the reader's understanding of the matter, which is really helpful. He also goes into other areas such as cryptography, which were also very interesting. Definitely recommend it for other mathematics enthusiasts out there, as I, a fellow enthusiast, felt very pleasant after finishing it; the author did an amazing job at ensuring I remain passionate about this field of mathematics, and clearly shows how well-read and passionate he himself is.
Only problem was a lot of the mathematics in the book was quite simple; I liked reading the history and such but surely someone reading the book does not need help with learning the quadratic equation and so on.
May 30, 2023
“Another neat trick is to take the shallow diagonals of the triangle and add the terms together to get the Fibonacci sequence. This connects three of the coolest things in mathematics: Pascal’s triangle, the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio.”
A book of mathematical knowledge and exercises. interspersed with histories of famous mathematicians. The algebra flows from the story.
An entertaining and challenging (well, it was for me!) read. My rusty knowledge of maths was of help and it might be difficult to learn algebra from it. The print ranges from small to minuscule.
A book of mathematical knowledge and exercises. interspersed with histories of famous mathematicians. The algebra flows from the story.
An entertaining and challenging (well, it was for me!) read. My rusty knowledge of maths was of help and it might be difficult to learn algebra from it. The print ranges from small to minuscule.
July 2, 2022
Fairly good overview of algebra and its history. Wished the author added sections on Chinese algebra. Chinese made significant strides in algebra from the 2nd century BC - 14th century AD. Unfortunately, the Chinese mathematical tradition was completely left out in this book.
March 12, 2012
This refresher course in Algebra is another of the books published by Pier 9/Quid Publishing. It is a little less accessible than the equivalent books on Physics and Chemistry in that a certain amount of basic algebraic matters is required to fully appreciate it — not a condemnation, as Algebra is not one of the easiest or most straightforward of subjects for most people; and secondly because there is such a vast range of applicability that it would be difficult to be fair to all of them within the restrictions set by this type of book. Even so, the represents a very good refresher of many of the main concepts involved, and the potted histories of relevant mathematicians helps place their ideas in historical context.
If I have a quibble with this book it is in the use of some of the examples (exercises) provided as practical applications for algebra. I can understand the need to make such links, to bring the intellectual flights available to mathematicians 'down to earth' so to speak, but therein lies the problem. The more 'practical-minded' of us might baulk at the processes involved, or be confused by the 'typical problems' presented. An example of the latter is the 'problem' provided at pp.75-76: there is nothing wrong with the algebra as such, but a 'balloon fight'? The only balloons I know would barely travel a few centimetres when hit. In this example, the formula used requires the 'balloon' to be fired at such an angle as to reach 50 metres in height! Really?
A second example is the one used for quadratics (pp 88-89): here we have an equation for a parabolic swimming pool to be shared between two adjoining properties. In this case it is the floor of the pool that is parabolic. Odd, but OK, its just an example… Again, there's nothing wrong with the algebra, but in the end, the formula used is one which results in a pool of total length 3.53 metres across the top, and over 20 metres in depth! Really?
A more 'realistic' choice of formulae for the examples would have been better: as they stand, they merely serve to reinforce the ignorant belief that mathematicians really are nerdy and impracticable people, with their heads lost in the clouds...
If I have a quibble with this book it is in the use of some of the examples (exercises) provided as practical applications for algebra. I can understand the need to make such links, to bring the intellectual flights available to mathematicians 'down to earth' so to speak, but therein lies the problem. The more 'practical-minded' of us might baulk at the processes involved, or be confused by the 'typical problems' presented. An example of the latter is the 'problem' provided at pp.75-76: there is nothing wrong with the algebra as such, but a 'balloon fight'? The only balloons I know would barely travel a few centimetres when hit. In this example, the formula used requires the 'balloon' to be fired at such an angle as to reach 50 metres in height! Really?
A second example is the one used for quadratics (pp 88-89): here we have an equation for a parabolic swimming pool to be shared between two adjoining properties. In this case it is the floor of the pool that is parabolic. Odd, but OK, its just an example… Again, there's nothing wrong with the algebra, but in the end, the formula used is one which results in a pool of total length 3.53 metres across the top, and over 20 metres in depth! Really?
A more 'realistic' choice of formulae for the examples would have been better: as they stand, they merely serve to reinforce the ignorant belief that mathematicians really are nerdy and impracticable people, with their heads lost in the clouds...
August 17, 2015
I enjoyed this. It approaches serious maths in a slightly light hearted way. It is fun to read, and I have learnt so much from it. It talks about the algebra, of course, but it also includes little stories and information on the historical figures most associates with that piece of algebra.
From another perspective entirely, in an age of e-books, there is still something appealing about a traditional book. And this one feels like a proper book should. It is a nicely bound hardback, with substantial pages.
From another perspective entirely, in an age of e-books, there is still something appealing about a traditional book. And this one feels like a proper book should. It is a nicely bound hardback, with substantial pages.
October 17, 2015
The book is quite interesting and easy to read. It gives enough information to make you more interested in the mathematical theory. Also, looks at things from a chronological (with bits of history) point of view which made me more interested because I didn't know that much about the historical part. Also, some sections discuss a problem from different angles and that is just wonderful for a maths book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews