Encyclopedia of Mathematics is a useful reference providing current and accurate information on the subject for high school and college students. Comprehensive coverage includes significant discoveries in mathematics, in addition to definitions of basic terms, thought-provoking essays, and capsule biographies of notable scientists in mathematics – all presenting a wide range of valuable information compiled into a single source.
Written in easy-to-understand language, the encyclopedia explains the importance of mathematics to society and includes summaries of notable events throughout history related to the subject.
Featuring more than 800 cross-referenced entries, the encyclopedia includes six essays, interspersed throughout the text, that discuss the evolution of algebra and equations, calculus, functions, geometry, probability and statistics, and trigonometry. The encyclopedia also includes three helpful appendixes – bibliographies and Web resources, a chronology of notable discoveries in mathematics, and an extensive list of associations that provide information about mathematics – as well as a comprehensive index.
Encyclopedia of Mathematics is an indispensable resource that will meet the specific demands of students, interested laypeople, and professionals who need accurate and straightforward information on historical or current issues in mathematics.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Researcher, author, and educator Tanton has compiled this encyclopedia to share his enthusiasm for thinking about and doing mathematics. More than 800 alphabetically arranged entries present a wide variety of mathematical definitions, theorems, historical figures, formulas, examples, charts, and pictures. Many cross-references serve to connect concepts or extend a concept further. A mathematical time line listing major accomplishments is available following the entries, along with a list of current mathematics organizations. The bibliography contains print and Web resources, and the index is helpful in locating terms and concepts.
Each entry varies in length depending on the term, concept, or person being described. Six longer essays describe the history of the branches of mathematics. The writing style is straightforward and readable and sometimes contains parenthetical notes that add background or context. If an entry contains a word or words in capital letters, that term or person is also an entry in the encyclopedia.
This source would be useful in a high-school library, public library, and academic library as a basic resource for students who wish to have a better understanding of simple or not-so–simple mathematical concepts. It is hoped that the author is rewarded in his goal of encouraging mathematics students to go beyond rote memorization of mathematical steps or skills. This encyclopedia will certainly assist them toward that goal. Kathryn O’Gorman
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About the Author
James Tanton is the founding director of the St. Mark’s Institute of Mathematics.