Space Mathematics: Math Problems Based on Space Science

by Bernice Kastner

Created by NASA for high school students interested in space science, this collection of worked problems covers a broad range of subjects, including mathematical aspects of NASA missions, computation and measurement, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, matrix algebra, conic sections, and calculus. In addition to enhancing mathematical knowledge and skills, these problems promote an appreciation of aerospace technology and offer valuable insights into the practical uses of secondary school mathematics by professional scientists and engineers.
Geared toward high school students and teachers, this volume also serves as a fine review for undergraduate science and engineering majors. Numerous figures illuminate the text, and an appendix explores the advanced topic of gravitational forces and the conic section trajectories.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Space, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2012

Reviews

[Mateja Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was exposed to all sorts of new mathematical formulas that will help me later on. I felt this was an amazing book and recommend it to anyone looking for a career in space science.

[Jose Sanz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, for me it was not that interesting. The highscool math was actually just calculations.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This NASA-created collection of pre-calculus mathematical problems is set up in a workbook format. Problems are presented with solutions immediately following and some blank pages for computations. The space science “story problems” come mostly from high school and first-year undergraduate algebra with contributions from geometry, probability, matrices, linear regression, trigonometry, and conic sections.

(Look for my entire review at MAA Reviews.)