I want a solid understanding of mathematics - the foundations of it and such, so looking into the development of it all would be a good start I would think. I'm looking for book recommendations and/or website resources on topics such as.. problems that caused parts of math to be developed, history of math.. some good resources on understanding it all. All that make any sense? Can't think of another way to explain it.
2006-07-05 14:21:50 · 7 answers · asked by death0metal 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
I'm out of highschool by the way I just think an understanding of math would help alot
2006-07-05 14:50:48 · update #1
Talking to a general librarian isn't always going to work. This is a very special case (with a bookstore and not a library, and would (almost) never happen in a library), but one of my professors once found a book on Knot Theory in the sailing section of a bookstore. Not a lot of people who are interested/have a good knowledge of mathematics go into a librarians career.
My suggestion is:
If you are in High School, go find the math department head, I'm not guaranteeing anything, but there is a good chance he may be able to direct you to someone/thing and make some suggestions.
If you are in college, talk to a professor . . . this one I will guarantee results. (or your money back).
If you want an understanding on basic concepts (groups, rings, fields) in math, check out an introduction to abstract algebra book. It's strange because these books talk about some of the most basic things in mathematics, but are not easy. In any of these books, you will discover the difference between integers, rational, reals, and complex numbers. I never had to study for a math class until I took an algebra course, so I'm not saying you will understand everything, but I sure find it to be very interesting.
If you are looking for some interesting topics, that don't require much to get the basics (but are really difficult to understand in detail), check out some knot theory (I also find this very interesting). Some good books (IMO) on knot theory are "The Knot Book" (C. Adams) and "Knot Theory" (C. Livingston). I personally prefer (and am currently reading) the book by Livingston, but it may be a little more difficult for someone to read.
I'm no expert at all on math history, so again you should talk to someone where you go to school to get some suggestions. And there is no harm in trying to ask a librarian, they know their stuff, I just think you might have better luck asking someone that works in math. Good luck.
2006-07-05 14:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by Eulercrosser 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there!, I like math too, but i recommend that you must understand and dominate the basics of Mathematics (such as basic algebra, basic geometry, arithmetic's,... i mean practice, the theory is just the introduction) before you can move forward and understand more complex math (advanced algebra, analytic and space geometry, statistics, calculus, infinitesimal calculus,...). You can learn from many math books from many authors, but i can not remember some of then right now. Anyway, just look at you local science library for any math book than interest you. But remember, the most important thing is to learn, dominate and practice your math knowledge, from basics to complexity, from bottom to top, like a pyramid. Good Luck!
2006-07-05 16:13:54 · answer #2 · answered by Danny B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mathematics is old as dirt. There are some books out there but I haven't seen anything worth buying. I think the best place to start is looking at the enlightenment period where a lot of modern math starts to take shape.
If you are so interested in the history of math, you might want to consider writing your own book. You can't possibly do worse than some of the crap I've seen.
2006-07-05 14:33:14 · answer #3 · answered by Poncho Rio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rather than a website with a quick answer, if you truly want a solid understanding, why don't you major in math?
2006-07-05 14:27:53 · answer #4 · answered by fcas80 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can find lots of appropriate titles in a keyword search at your local library. Better yet, go talk with a reference librarian - that's what they are there for, and you'll get information backed by research expertise.
2006-07-05 14:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try "Asimov on Numbers." By Isaac Asimov.
His works are very readable.
2006-07-05 14:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by SPLATT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try;GEOMETRY CIVILIZED by J.L.HEILBRON
2006-07-05 15:07:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋