Algebra to Calculus: Unlocking Math's Amazing Power

Inside Mathematics

by Mike Goldsmith

Think math is boring? Think again! Algebra to Unlocking Maths Amazing Power tells the story of algebra and calculus to explore the surprising, fascinating and sometimes mind-boggling evolution of mathematics through the ages. How do you make a decision with numbers? You have to use a kind of math called Boolean algebra. It's a little strange because it only ever uses two numbers 1 or 0, and 1+1 always equals 1. Despite this weirdness, this algebra is used to create the nanoscale circuits in every microchip. Do you want to know more? Written to engage, entertain and enthuse readers young and old, Algebra to Unlocking Math's Amazing Power takes an entirely new approach to the wonderful world of mathematics. Along the way, readers will meet with geniuses, such as Diophantus and Newton, who figured out how to turn math problems into general techniques that worked whatever the situation. Readers will not only learn how computer chips process their programs, but also how a smartphone knows where it is, what the link is between snowflakes, cannonballs and wine barrels, and how Carl Gauss figured out how to add up all the numbers between 1 and 100 in less than a minute when he was just 10 years old! Algebra to Unlocking Maths Amazing Power shows there is a lot more going on than just x + y = z.

Genres: Mathematics, Science

168 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2018

About the author

Dr. Mike Goldsmith studied the philosophy of time and space at Keele University, where he also obtained his PhD in astrophysics. He was formerly the head of Acoustics at the UK's National Physical Laboratory and is now an author of nonfiction books for children.

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some entertaining stories along with the math. A fun read for me, although my math is slowly slipping away from me. Two of my favorite stories were about Pappus of Alexandria because he is my namesake. And then there was Evariste Galois who died at the age of 20 in a duel probably over a woman. My kind of guy. Yet he still managed to create a new branch of mathematics.

[Stasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this. It really explains the ideas of algebra and calculus, with a lot of information, yet in a way easy to understand!!!

[somerventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would’ve actually payed attention more often in math class if they talked about all the cool history and philosophy behind it