Customer Reviews

The HarperCollins Dictionary of Mathematics

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are a number of mathematical dictionaries, of course. This effort is widely comprehensive (it would be a challenge to discover a topic not included) and sufficiently treats each topic. Masters level in coverage, it is accessible for undergraduates. I find it invaluable as a quick reference.

With the fact that this is not an encyclopedic reference kept in mind, one can honestly say that this is the best mathematical dictionary available. The book covers every term one might expect to find: from the most elementary topics of the field through a complete undergraduate (and possibly first year graduate) mathematical education. It explains all terms with remarkable detail and clarity, clearing any doubt a reader of math textbooks might have concerning the terms therein contained. Barron's and McGraw-Hill provide very good dictionaries, but lack the clarity of exposition and enourmous scope of this one. Put plainly, I have found this to be an invaluable reference tool far superior to those offered by other publishing companies.

This is the best dictionary I have ever seen for undergraduated. This dictionary is complete, clear and not expansive. It is not complete as a CRC encyclopedia for graduated but for an undergraduated and even a beginning graduate it is the best one, because it explains all terms you can encounterand many more. Also it has biographies of great mathematicians. If you look for a dictionary of mathematics buy this one.

My job requires extensive technical writing skills in the form of developing mathematical algorithms or creating presentations or other documentation that frequently requires that mathematical concepts be clearly defined for the reader. Even when you think you know a good definition for a mathematical term, this dictionary will likely give you a better one. Good reference to keep around.

This is perhaps one of the best, if not the best, mathematics dictionary. But it is just that, a dictionary of mathematical terms and phrases. Do no expect it to teach you any subject in mathematics. It would be great for any student taking a mathematics course. If the student runs across a term that he/she might have forgotten, the student can refer to this dictionary for a quick reminder.

If you're anything like me, you enjoy reading while in the toilet, doing one of the necessities of human nature, this reference has a great "random open" feature, where you can just slide your thumb at any page and find an interesting term you can think and learn about, I dont know how much the shallow discussion to these complex terms is really useful, but it gives you interesting things to think about, it also contains some mathematics history and some information about famous mathematicians, the paperback cover provides for some nice comfortable format, this dictionary has replaced the old Almanac I used to open randomly when I'm bored.
A 5 star for the cuteness.

Enjoy.

I'm yet to find a better maths dictionary. Lots of definitions. Well organized/cross-referenced. As an undergraduate, I'm yet to look up something and be disappointed. Handy tables at the back.

It doesn't get 5 stars because of a few glaring misprints.

i am enthusiastic about this dictionary. i am working on my minor in mathematics, and i have yet to find a major term or mathematics luminary "not" mentioned in this dictionary. this concise dictionary borders on the comprehensive. many entries are followed by concept facilitating drawings; the definitions are adventurous and yet intellectually accessible. in addition, the dictionary is esthetically appealing. it is unlikely that you will tire of handling this " erudite tome." do not let the 1991 copyright date fool you. these guys knew what they were doing -- they were ahead of their time.

This is by far the best Mathematics Dictionary I have ever come across. My original copy has been so well read it is held together with tape! I keep one copy at work and one at home and reccommend it to all my Math majors. It is really useful for undergraduate and graduate Math majors and still handy for faculty. As well as good definitions for most math terms it also has short bios for many mathematicians which can be useful in adding historical context to a course.

Although mathematics is a language of science many scientists retain little exact knowledge of the grammar and terminology even while they practise mathematical operations with considerable success. When a scientist or author needs to compose text about these operations, a reference work with concise and precise definitions of terms and concepts is indispensable. For this purpose I turn first to Mathematics -- the Harper-Collins Dictionary, by E.J. Borowski and J.M. Borwein.

The thoroughness of this dictionary makes it great both for browsers like me and for real mathematicians. I can't imagine anyone outgrowing this work. If anything better comes along to take this book's place, odds are it will be the next edition.