Mathematics: A Human Endeavor (3rd Edition) [Hardcover]

Harold R. Jacobs (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 071672426X | ISBN-13: 978-0716724261 | Publication Date: January 15, 1994 | Edition: 3rd

For instructors of liberal arts mathematics classes who focus on problem-solving, Harold Jacobs's remarkable textbook has long been the answer, helping teachers connect with of math-anxious students. Drawing on over thirty years of classroom experience, Jacobs shows students how to make observations, discover relationships, and solve problems in the context of ordinary experience.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 678 pages
• Publisher: W. H. Freeman; 3rd edition (January 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071672426X
• ISBN-13: 978-0716724261
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book fosters true love of math., November 15, 1999

By 

Julie A. Moser (Northern New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

I'm a 36-year old homeschooling mother who had done calculus in high school and college, and mechanically got some right answers, but never knew why. I hadn't bothered to slow down and notice the beauty and power of the language of mathematics. In his textbook, Mathematics: A Human Endeavor, Harold Jacobs smashed my lack of confidence into a million pieces. He showers the student with so much real-life relevance and humor, that even a slight amount of curiosity about the subject bears delicous fruit. Working through this book will convince any human being, of almost any age, that he or she is a born mathematician.

98 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Math as science, art and life, September 12, 2000

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

What's so truly impressive about Jacobs' book is the way in which he demonstrates that math is all around. His choice of subjects provides the reader with a broad introduction to the mathematical sciences, including geometry, probability, combinatorics, statistics, topology and more. More importantly, his examples and explanations make it relevant and fun.

Jacobs' writing is clear (which cannot be said for many books on math at any level) and his organization sweeps the reader right along. Though technically a textbook, this is excellent reading for anyone who's interested in learning about math. I read it in junior high school, and have re-read bits and pieces as I progressed through college and graduate school. His subjects are complex enough to merit rethinking, yet his explanations clear enough to be grasped by the first time reader.

Truly one of the great introductory math texts -- especially for those who think they don't need to know or can't understand math.

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Introduction to Mathematics !, December 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

I stumbled across this book when I was 17 whilst rummaging in my school library. It was too late for me to use it as my workbook but I enjoyed reading it nevertheless. My sole regret was that had I found it earlier than I might have had success in teaching my fellow students the joys of mathematics. The book is beautifully designed with gorgeous graphics to demonstrate mathematical ideas. There are also wonderful cartoons that people on this side of the Atlantic may never get to see otherwise. This is the book (with its companion "Geometry") that I give all my nephews/nieces on their 10th birthday so that they may not claim that they were deprived of good maths tuition.