Whenever the topic of mathematics is mentioned, people tend to indicate
their weakness in the subject as a result of not having enjoyed its
instruction during their school experience. Many students unfortunately
do not have very positive experiences when learning mathematics, which
can result from teachers who have a tendency "to teach to the test".
This is truly unfortunate for several reasons. First, basic algebra and
geometry, which are taken by almost all students, are not difficult
subjects, and all students should be able to master them with the proper
motivational instruction. Second, we live in a technical age, and being
comfortable with basic mathematics can certainly help you deal with
life's daily challenges. Other, less tangible reasons, are the pleasure
one can experience from understanding the many intricacies of
mathematics and its relation to the real world, experiencing the
satisfaction of solving a mathematical problem, and discovering the
intrinsic beauty and historical development of many mathematical
expressions and relationships. These are some of the experiences that
this book is designed to deliver to the reader.
The book offers 101 mathematical gems, some of which may require a
modicum of high school mathematics and others, just a desire to
carefully apply oneself to the ideas. Many folks have spent years
encountering mathematical terms, symbols, relationships and other
esoteric expressions. Their origins and their meanings may never have
been revealed, such as the symbols +, -, =, π. ꝏ, √, ∑, and many others.
This book provides a delightful insight into the origin of mathematical
symbols and popular theorems such as the Pythagorean Theorem and the
Fibonacci Sequence, common mathematical mistakes and curiosities,
intriguing number relationships, and some of the different mathematical
procedures in various countries. The book uses a historical and cultural
approach to the topics, which enhances the subject matter and greatly
adds to its appeal. The mathematical material can, therefore, be more
fully appreciated and understood by anyone who has a curiosity and
interest in mathematics, especially if in their past experience they
were expected to simply accept ideas and concepts without a clear
understanding of their origins and meaning. It is hoped that this will
cast a new and positive picture of mathematics and provide a more
favorable impression of this most important subject and be a different
experience than what many may have previously encountered. It is also
our wish that some of the fascination and beauty of mathematics shines
through in these presentations.
