The New Mathematics

by Irving Adler

Uses the basic building blocks of elementary mathematics to introduce advanced concepts in this field

Genres: Mathematics, Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Luís · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Adler joined the American Communist Party in 1935 when he was 22. Sixteen years later, when he was chairman of the math department at Straubenmuller Textile High School on West 18th Street in Manhattan, he was subpoenaed to testify before a Senate subcommittee investigating Communist influence in the nation’s schools. He refused to answer the senators’ questions, citing his rights under the Fifth Amendment.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/27/bo...

[Ronny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who want to understand the justification for our current system of numbers. The author starts from finger-counting and develops the complex system of numbers. Along the way, he explains complex arithmetic in such a way that it no longer seems like a hack, but a very natural extension of the number system. His explanation for why i^2 = -1 is superb.

Along the way, things like vectors and alternate number systems are discussed.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is designed to teach parents and other people interested in what the “new math” is, most people with little math background will no doubt find their intellect fogging over as they read it. The time context is the very early sixties and there is a major educational movement that is commonly referred to as the “new math.”
In fact it is foundational in nature, so the only thing new about it is that previous generations had never experienced it in the classroom. In many ways the mathematics is superior, as it sets the stage for an increased understanding of the underlying principles of mathematics.
There is a little of everything in this book, from the basics of arithmetic, abstract algebra, matrices, group theory, vectors in the plane, residue classes and limit points with neighborhoods. In many ways it is an overview of much of the mathematics taught to the modern math majors. As the list of topics makes clear, this is a lot to pack into less than 200 pages.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a "Signet Science Library Book" paperback edition of this book: 6th printing of March 1964.

It was required reading for my Math University course so would have read it 1965/66

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broad overview of set theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, and the foundations of math generally. The book does its job.