Book details
Mathematics: Powerful Patterns into Nature and Society (Milestones in Discovery and Invention)
Description
For most people, mathematics is an abstraction with little connection to the ""real"" universe. But some mathematicians have discovered relatively simple yet exceedingly powerful patterns that yield insight into aspects of natural and human behavior. ""Mathematics"" presents 10 essays that profile the minds behind such patterns, many of which have surfaced in recent popular culture. Meet Leonardo of Pisa, who worked with Fibonacci numbers and the ""Golden Section""; John von Neumann and John Nash, proponents of game theory; Edward Lorentz, who developed chaos theory; and Sid Meier, who has created award-winning computer games, such as Gettysburg and SimGolf, and five other mathematicians. Although the ideas explored here may produce complex results, they are inherently simple in concept, making them appealing, accessible vehicles for acquainting students with the human side of mathematics.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
proficient
Length
192 pages
Why to read
- To gain insight into how mathematical principles underpin the structures and phenomena found in the natural world and human societies, revealing the interconnectedness of different fields of study.
- To explore historical and contemporary examples of mathematical discoveries that have significantly impacted our understanding of the world, highlighting the importance of mathematics in scientific and technological advancement.
- To appreciate the beauty and elegance of mathematical patterns and how they manifest in various aspects of life, from the symmetry in flowers to the organization of cities and markets.
- To enhance problem-solving skills and analytical thinking by learning about the methods and approaches mathematicians use to uncover and describe complex patterns, which can be applied to a wide range of disciplines and real-world situations.