“50 Visions of Mathematics” is a book that challenges this stereotype by covering a wide range of topics from biographies to recreational mathematics. The editor includes some lesser known figures and problems in addition to well-known ones, making this book an exciting read for anyone looking to learn more about mathematics. With equations used only when necessary and crisp diagrams used to effectively explain concepts, this book is accessible to high school students with basic math knowledge.
50 Visions of Mathematics‘ introduction begins with a refreshing perspective on the allure of mathematics. The editor explains how mathematicians view math as an art form that involves exploring patterns and discovering connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This philosophy guides the book’s structure as it jumps between topics in a non-linear way.
One of the most interesting features of 50 Visions of Mathematics is the inclusion of biographies of mathematicians who often go unrecognized for their contributions to the field. For example, the book includes a section on Philippa Fawcett, a woman who received the highest score on the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos exam in 1890, but was not awarded a degree because women were not allowed to receive degrees at the time. Her story is just one of many examples that demonstrates how important it is to recognize historically marginalized voices in the field of mathematics.
“50 Visions of Mathematics” also includes sections on recreational mathematics, which involves applying math concepts to puzzles and games. These sections are particularly engaging because they make math feel less like a chore and more like a fun pastime. For example, there is a section on the tower of Hanoi puzzle, which challenges players to move a stack of disks from one peg to another while following certain rules. It’s a great way to introduce students to the concepts of problem-solving and critical thinking.
Another great feature of the book is the effective use of visuals to explain concepts. Diagrams are used throughout the book, and they are well-designed and easy to understand. For example, there is a diagram that explains the concept of chaos theory by showing how small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes. The visual representation makes this abstract concept much more concrete and comprehensible.
Finally, 50 Visions of Mathematics is a great tool for high school math classes. The content is accessible to students with basic math knowledge, and the non-linear structure of the book means that it can be used as a homework reading tool or as a jumping-off point for discussions and debates in class. The inclusion of biographies and recreational mathematics sections makes the book more engaging and relatable to students, while the effective use of visuals makes the content more accessible to visual learners.
50 Visions of Mathematics is an excellent book that challenges the stereotype of math being a dry and boring subject. The inclusion of biographies and recreational mathematics sections, as well as the effective use of visuals, makes the content engaging and accessible to students of all levels. It’s a great resource for high school math classes that can be used as a homework reading tool or as a way to spark discussions and debates in class. Ultimately, 50 Brief Visions of Mathematics serves as a reminder that math is not just a tool for solving equations, but a fascinating and endlessly creative field that is worth exploring.
