Story of Math

This insightful guide to the history and basic concepts of mathematics reveals how math concepts helped to shape society--from the basic counting and units of measurement that facilitated commerce to the kind of surveying techniques and geometry that helped build the Egyptian pyramids. A chronological account of advancements in mathematics ranges Aristotle and al-Khwarizmi (who first used the term "algebra") to high-speed computers and their impact upon the teaching and understanding of mathematics. Readers will also find out how much of ancient arithmetic--like the 60 minute hour--is still part of our everyday life.

This book offers a broad collection of the principles of statistics and probability in a nice, compact format for the middle school and early high school student. Interesting text and background bring the principles to life. The topics are often enriched by references to famous mathematicians who discovered these principles and also snapshots of these principles at work in our real world. Seldom does a math book bring together the story of so many of these topics in such an accessible and readable text.

This engrossing guide to the number system and fractions combines the history of math with its practical applications, making the story of math engaging for all readers. Both the number system and computations with fractions constitute important elements of the Common Core mathematical standards for grades 6–8, and in this text, theory and practice combine, giving students an excellent approach to both fields. Sample problems are couched in the stories of the mathematicians and great societies that developed these areas of study-proving riveting for even those who typically shy away from math.

This examination of elementary algebra begins with the essential first step: explaining how algebra is relevant to real life. After that, readers will be taken on a journey through the highlights of algebra, from its basic principles through real numbers and the application of algebra's fundamental concepts. Diagrams and equations, as well as repetition and building on concepts, help make difficult concepts clear. Sidebars highlighting important historical figures in the field of algebra bring a human element to the discussion. After reading this book, students will no longer be intimidated by the thought of algebra!

Arithmetic factors into our lives on a daily basis, so it's hard to imagine a world without the six basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, raising to powers, and finding roots. Readers will get a solid overview of arithmetic, while offering useful examples of how they are used in routine activities, such as social media applications. It reinforces Common Core math standards, including understanding basic math concepts and how they apply to students' daily lives and challenges. A history of arithmetic helps provide a contextual framework for the course of its development and the practical needs that drove its use.

This stimulating volume offers a broad collection of the principles of geometry and trigonometry and contains colorful diagrams to bring mathematical principles to life. Subjects are enriched by references to famous mathematicians and their ideas, and the stories are presented in a very comprehensible way. Readers investigate the relationships of points, lines, surfaces, and solids. They study construction methods for drawing figures, a wealth of facts about these figures, and above all, methods to prove the facts. They learn about triangle measure for circular motion, sine and cosine, tangent and secant, and trigonometric functions that are applied to right triangles.