1 copy being processed for Axe Acquisitions Order.
Edition
Pbk. ed.
Description
384 p. : ill. ; 20 cm.
Note
Originally published: 2008.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 374-376) and index.
Summary
Beginning with the first Babylonian number symbols and concluding with Fermat's Last Theorem and chaos theory, Steward provides a history of mathematics and answers fundamental questions.
Contents
Preface -- Tokens, tallies, and tablets -- Logic of shape -- Notations and numbers -- Lure of the unknown -- Eternal triangles -- Curves and coordinates -- Patterns in numbers -- System of the world -- Patterns in nature -- Impossible quantities -- Firm foundations -- Impossible triangles -- Rise of symmetry -- Algebra comes of age -- Rubber sheet geometry -- Fourth dimension -- Shape of logic -- How likely is that? -- Number crunching -- Chaos and complexity -- Further reading -- Index.
