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Groups and Symmetry: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics
In most mathematics textbooks, the most exciting part of mathematics--the process of invention and discovery--is completely hidden from the reader. The aim of Groups and Symmetry is to change all that. By means of a series of carefully selected tasks, this book leads readers to discover some real mathematics. There are no formulas to memorize; no procedures to follow. The book is a Its job is to start you in the right direction and to bring you back if you stray too far. Discovery is left to you. Suitable for a one-semester course at the beginning undergraduate level, there are no prerequisites for understanding the text. Any college student interested in discovering the beauty of mathematics will enjoy a course taught from this book. The book has also been used successfully with nonscience students who want to fulfill a science requirement.
- GenresMathematics
102 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 3, 2021
Overall, this was an informative and thought provoking book. It is geared towards education, so unless you like math or headaches, it is not for casual reading. It is also not an entry point into actually obtaining an in depth understanding of groups. As a textbook for a course in a master's program, I found it to not be a good choice. The tasks were tedious and the explanations lacking. If it were meant to be purely self discovery, then it leads you down that road very well. However, for me, it was not a well beaten path and I cannot say that I deepened my understanding of groups much. I might be better at pattern finding in amalgamations of shapes after reading this. There are many interesting topics and connections presented in the book. You can find some interesting problems and activities to do if you are bored or if you teach mathematics. However, I recommend seeking other resources for serious instruction or studying of groups.
September 2, 2023
Even for use in high school, I'd say the pace is too slow.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews