Conquering Mathematics [Hardcover]

Lloyd Motz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0306437686 | ISBN-13: 978-0306437687 | Publication Date: March 21, 1991

In the straightforward, accessible fashion that has become their hallmark, these eloquent authors calmly lead the most fearful readers through the fundamentals of practical arithmetic and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book by the authors of The Concepts of Science ( LJ 5/15/88) aims to present mathematics in a palatable way for persons who need to master some of the basics but who bear unhappy memories of mathematics from their school days. Topics covered include arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; the material is mainly at a high school and college freshman level. Although some attention is paid to applications, the authors concentrate on a simplified walkthrough of the mathematical details. Rigorous proofs are not generally supplied; this is understandable and acceptable in view of the intended audience. The book should prove comprehensible for readers with a "need-to-know," but a high level of self-motivation is required; the approach is rather pedestrian and uninspiring. However, this book may be of interest to school and public libraries.
-Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 305 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (March 21, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306437686
• ISBN-13: 978-0306437687
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,274,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Written for me!, March 6, 2001

By 

Autodidact Andy "IndiAndy" (Golden State California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conquering Mathematics (Hardcover)

An excerpt from the preface: "...it is not a textbook full of long, boring proofs and hundreds of problems, rather it is an intellectual adventure, to be read with pleasure. It was written to be easily accessible and with concern for the mental tranquility of the reader who will experience considerable fulfillment when he/she sees the simplicity of basic mathematics. The emphasis throughout the book is on the clear explanation of mathematics concepts."

I have to say that the promises in the excerpt above are gracefully delivered. This is such a great book in it's scope. But it is completely missing graphic illustrations - you know, diagrams, figures, pictures, etc.. It could be the absolute best book hands down, if it just had illustrations in each chapter. Otherwise beautifully written. So, I can't give it five stars. A second edition with graphic illustrations would be awesome! You should know that there are no problem-solution exercises in the book but many good examples and applications are discussed. This book is very friendly and un-assuming. Kudos to the Authors!!!

OK, the chapters are as follows:

1. The Number System 2. Irrational Numbers, Imaginary Numbers, and Other Curiosities 3. From Arithmetic to Algebra 4. Graphic Algebra 5. The Geometry of Straight Line Figures 6. The Geometry of the Circle and Trigonometry 7. Analytic Geometry 8. The Calculus and Mathematics in Science Epilogue

I loved it! Enjoy...