Math through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Students

Where did math come from? Who thought up all those algebra symbols, and why? What is the story behind ? ... negative numbers? ... the metric system? ... quadratic equations? ... sine and cosine? ... logs? Including five new independent historical sketches, each complete with added questions and projects, this second edition answers these questions and many others in an informal, easy-going style, accessible to teachers, students and anyone who is curious about the history of mathematical ideas. The 30 short stories are preceded by a 58-page bird's-eye overview of the entire panorama of mathematical history, a whirlwind tour of the most important people, events, and trends that shaped the mathematics we know today. The 'Books You Ought to Read' section and new bibliography also ensure that up-to-date starting points are provided for readers who want to pursue a topic further.