Mathematical Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam

Mathematical Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam

Author: Edward Barbeau

Publisher: MAA

Published: 2000-06-15

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9780883855294

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Through hard experience mathematicians have learned to subject even the most 'evident' assertions to rigorous scrutiny, as intuition can often be misleading. This book collects and analyses a mass of such errors, drawn from the work of students, textbooks, and the media, as well as from professional mathematicians themselves.


Book Synopsis Mathematical Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam by : Edward Barbeau

Download or read book Mathematical Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam written by Edward Barbeau and published by MAA. This book was released on 2000-06-15 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Through hard experience mathematicians have learned to subject even the most 'evident' assertions to rigorous scrutiny, as intuition can often be misleading. This book collects and analyses a mass of such errors, drawn from the work of students, textbooks, and the media, as well as from professional mathematicians themselves.


More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam

More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam

Author: Edward Barbeau

Publisher: Mathematical Association of America (MAA)

Published: 2013-01-01

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9781614445159

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Mistakes in mathematical reasoning, taken from a variety of sources, are exposed and analysed in this entertaining book.


Book Synopsis More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam by : Edward Barbeau

Download or read book More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam written by Edward Barbeau and published by Mathematical Association of America (MAA). This book was released on 2013-01-01 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mistakes in mathematical reasoning, taken from a variety of sources, are exposed and analysed in this entertaining book.


More Fallacies, Flaws & Flimflam

More Fallacies, Flaws & Flimflam

Author: Edward J. Barbeau

Publisher: MAA

Published: 2013-10-16

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 0883855801

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More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam is the second volume of selections drawn mostly from the College Mathematics Journal column “Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam” from 2000 through 2008. The MAA published the first collection, Mathematical Flaws, Fallacies, and Flimflam, in 2000. As in the first volume, More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam contains items ranging from howlers (outlandish procedures that nonetheless lead to a correct answer) to deep or subtle errors often made by strong students. Although some are provided for entertainment, others challenge the reader to determine exactly where things go wrong. Items are sorted by subject matter. Elementary teachers will find chapter 1 of most use, while middle and high schoolteachers will find chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 applicable to their levels. College instructors can delve for material in every part of the book. There are frequent references to the College Mathematics Journal; these are denoted by CMJ.


Book Synopsis More Fallacies, Flaws & Flimflam by : Edward J. Barbeau

Download or read book More Fallacies, Flaws & Flimflam written by Edward J. Barbeau and published by MAA. This book was released on 2013-10-16 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam is the second volume of selections drawn mostly from the College Mathematics Journal column “Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam” from 2000 through 2008. The MAA published the first collection, Mathematical Flaws, Fallacies, and Flimflam, in 2000. As in the first volume, More Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam contains items ranging from howlers (outlandish procedures that nonetheless lead to a correct answer) to deep or subtle errors often made by strong students. Although some are provided for entertainment, others challenge the reader to determine exactly where things go wrong. Items are sorted by subject matter. Elementary teachers will find chapter 1 of most use, while middle and high schoolteachers will find chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 applicable to their levels. College instructors can delve for material in every part of the book. There are frequent references to the College Mathematics Journal; these are denoted by CMJ.


Magnificent Mistakes in Mathematics

Magnificent Mistakes in Mathematics

Author: Alfred S. Posamentier

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2013-08-13

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13: 1616147482

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Two veteran math educators demonstrate how some "magnificent mistakes" had profound consequences for our understanding of mathematics' key concepts. In the nineteenth century, English mathematician William Shanks spent fifteen years calculating the value of pi, setting a record for the number of decimal places. Later, his calculation was reproduced using large wooden numerals to decorate the cupola of a hall in the Palais de la Découverte in Paris. However, in 1946, with the aid of a mechanical desk calculator that ran for seventy hours, it was discovered that there was a mistake in the 528th decimal place. Today, supercomputers have determined the value of pi to trillions of decimal places. This is just one of the amusing and intriguing stories about mistakes in mathematics in this layperson's guide to mathematical principles. In another example, the authors show that when we "prove" that every triangle is isosceles, we are violating a concept not even known to Euclid - that of "betweenness." And if we disregard the time-honored Pythagorean theorem, this is a misuse of the concept of infinity. Even using correct procedures can sometimes lead to absurd - but enlightening - results. Requiring no more than high-school-level math competency, this playful excursion through the nuances of math will give you a better grasp of this fundamental, all-important science.


Book Synopsis Magnificent Mistakes in Mathematics by : Alfred S. Posamentier

Download or read book Magnificent Mistakes in Mathematics written by Alfred S. Posamentier and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2013-08-13 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two veteran math educators demonstrate how some "magnificent mistakes" had profound consequences for our understanding of mathematics' key concepts. In the nineteenth century, English mathematician William Shanks spent fifteen years calculating the value of pi, setting a record for the number of decimal places. Later, his calculation was reproduced using large wooden numerals to decorate the cupola of a hall in the Palais de la Découverte in Paris. However, in 1946, with the aid of a mechanical desk calculator that ran for seventy hours, it was discovered that there was a mistake in the 528th decimal place. Today, supercomputers have determined the value of pi to trillions of decimal places. This is just one of the amusing and intriguing stories about mistakes in mathematics in this layperson's guide to mathematical principles. In another example, the authors show that when we "prove" that every triangle is isosceles, we are violating a concept not even known to Euclid - that of "betweenness." And if we disregard the time-honored Pythagorean theorem, this is a misuse of the concept of infinity. Even using correct procedures can sometimes lead to absurd - but enlightening - results. Requiring no more than high-school-level math competency, this playful excursion through the nuances of math will give you a better grasp of this fundamental, all-important science.


Mathematical Fallacies and Paradoxes

Mathematical Fallacies and Paradoxes

Author: Bryan Bunch

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2012-10-16

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0486137937

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Stimulating, thought-provoking analysis of the most interesting intellectual inconsistencies in mathematics, physics, and language, including being led astray by algebra (De Morgan's paradox). 1982 edition.


Book Synopsis Mathematical Fallacies and Paradoxes by : Bryan Bunch

Download or read book Mathematical Fallacies and Paradoxes written by Bryan Bunch and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2012-10-16 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Stimulating, thought-provoking analysis of the most interesting intellectual inconsistencies in mathematics, physics, and language, including being led astray by algebra (De Morgan's paradox). 1982 edition.


The Trisectors

The Trisectors

Author: Underwood Dudley

Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.

Published: 2019-07-01

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1470451719

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Underwood Dudley is well known for his collection of books on mathematical cranks. Here he offers yet another--angle trisectors. It is impossible to trisect angles with straightedge and compass alone, but many people try and think they have succeeded. This book is about angle trisections and the people who attempt them. According to Dudley: ""Hardly any mathematical training is necessary to read this book. There is a little trigonometry here and there, but it may be safely skipped. There are hardly any equations. There are no exercises and there will be no final examination. The worst victim o.


Book Synopsis The Trisectors by : Underwood Dudley

Download or read book The Trisectors written by Underwood Dudley and published by American Mathematical Soc.. This book was released on 2019-07-01 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Underwood Dudley is well known for his collection of books on mathematical cranks. Here he offers yet another--angle trisectors. It is impossible to trisect angles with straightedge and compass alone, but many people try and think they have succeeded. This book is about angle trisections and the people who attempt them. According to Dudley: ""Hardly any mathematical training is necessary to read this book. There is a little trigonometry here and there, but it may be safely skipped. There are hardly any equations. There are no exercises and there will be no final examination. The worst victim o.


CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics

CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics

Author: Eric W. Weisstein

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2002-12-12

Total Pages: 3253

ISBN-13: 1420035223

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Upon publication, the first edition of the CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics received overwhelming accolades for its unparalleled scope, readability, and utility. It soon took its place among the top selling books in the history of Chapman & Hall/CRC, and its popularity continues unabated. Yet also unabated has been the d


Book Synopsis CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics by : Eric W. Weisstein

Download or read book CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics written by Eric W. Weisstein and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2002-12-12 with total page 3253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Upon publication, the first edition of the CRC Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics received overwhelming accolades for its unparalleled scope, readability, and utility. It soon took its place among the top selling books in the history of Chapman & Hall/CRC, and its popularity continues unabated. Yet also unabated has been the d


American Mathematics 1890-1913

American Mathematics 1890-1913

Author: Steve Batterson

Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America

Published: 2017-06-29

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 0883855909

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At the turn of the twentieth century, mathematical scholarship in the United States underwent a stunning transformation. In 1890 no American professor was producing mathematical research worthy of international attention. Graduate students were then advised to pursue their studies abroad. By the start of World War I the standing of American mathematics had radically changed. George David Birkhoff, Leonard Dickson, and others were turning out cutting edge investigations that attracted notice in the intellectual centers of Europe. Harvard, Chicago, and Princeton maintained graduate programs comparable to those overseas. This book explores the people, timing, and factors behind this rapid advance. Through the mid-nineteenth century most American colleges followed a classical curriculum that, in mathematics, rarely reached beyond calculus. With no doctoral programs of any sort in the United States until 1860, mathematical scholarship lagged far behind that in Europe. After the Civil War, visionary presidents at Harvard and Johns Hopkins broadened and deepened the opportunities for study. The breakthrough for mathematics began in 1890 with the hiring, in consecutive years, of William F. Osgood and Maxime Bôcher at Harvard and E. H. Moore at Chicago. Each of these young men had studied in Germany where they acquired vital mathematical knowledge and taste. Over the next few years Osgood, Bôcher, and Moore established their own research programs and introduced new graduate courses. Working with other like-minded individuals through the nascent American Mathematical Society, the infrastructure of meetings and journals were created. In the early twentieth century Princeton dramatically upgraded its faculty to give the United States the stability of a third mathematics center. The publication by Birkhoff, in 1913, of the solution to a famous conjecture served notice that American mathematics had earned consideration with the European powers of Germany, France, Italy, England, and Russia.


Book Synopsis American Mathematics 1890-1913 by : Steve Batterson

Download or read book American Mathematics 1890-1913 written by Steve Batterson and published by The Mathematical Association of America. This book was released on 2017-06-29 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At the turn of the twentieth century, mathematical scholarship in the United States underwent a stunning transformation. In 1890 no American professor was producing mathematical research worthy of international attention. Graduate students were then advised to pursue their studies abroad. By the start of World War I the standing of American mathematics had radically changed. George David Birkhoff, Leonard Dickson, and others were turning out cutting edge investigations that attracted notice in the intellectual centers of Europe. Harvard, Chicago, and Princeton maintained graduate programs comparable to those overseas. This book explores the people, timing, and factors behind this rapid advance. Through the mid-nineteenth century most American colleges followed a classical curriculum that, in mathematics, rarely reached beyond calculus. With no doctoral programs of any sort in the United States until 1860, mathematical scholarship lagged far behind that in Europe. After the Civil War, visionary presidents at Harvard and Johns Hopkins broadened and deepened the opportunities for study. The breakthrough for mathematics began in 1890 with the hiring, in consecutive years, of William F. Osgood and Maxime Bôcher at Harvard and E. H. Moore at Chicago. Each of these young men had studied in Germany where they acquired vital mathematical knowledge and taste. Over the next few years Osgood, Bôcher, and Moore established their own research programs and introduced new graduate courses. Working with other like-minded individuals through the nascent American Mathematical Society, the infrastructure of meetings and journals were created. In the early twentieth century Princeton dramatically upgraded its faculty to give the United States the stability of a third mathematics center. The publication by Birkhoff, in 1913, of the solution to a famous conjecture served notice that American mathematics had earned consideration with the European powers of Germany, France, Italy, England, and Russia.


Teaching Secondary School Mathematics: Techniques And Enrichment

Teaching Secondary School Mathematics: Techniques And Enrichment

Author: Alfred S Posamentier

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2020-09-18

Total Pages: 1042

ISBN-13: 9811211434

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The primary aim of this book is to provide teachers of mathematics with all the tools they would need to conduct most effective mathematics instruction. The book guides teachers through the all-important planning process, which includes short and long-term planning as well as constructing most effective lessons, with an emphasis on motivation, classroom management, emphasizing problem-solving techniques, assessment, enriching instruction for students at all levels, and introducing relevant extracurricular mathematics activities. Technology applications are woven throughout the text.A unique feature of this book is the second half, which provides 125 highly motivating enrichment units for all levels of secondary school mathematics. Many years of proven success makes this book essential for both pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers.


Book Synopsis Teaching Secondary School Mathematics: Techniques And Enrichment by : Alfred S Posamentier

Download or read book Teaching Secondary School Mathematics: Techniques And Enrichment written by Alfred S Posamentier and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2020-09-18 with total page 1042 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The primary aim of this book is to provide teachers of mathematics with all the tools they would need to conduct most effective mathematics instruction. The book guides teachers through the all-important planning process, which includes short and long-term planning as well as constructing most effective lessons, with an emphasis on motivation, classroom management, emphasizing problem-solving techniques, assessment, enriching instruction for students at all levels, and introducing relevant extracurricular mathematics activities. Technology applications are woven throughout the text.A unique feature of this book is the second half, which provides 125 highly motivating enrichment units for all levels of secondary school mathematics. Many years of proven success makes this book essential for both pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers.


I, Mathematician

I, Mathematician

Author: Peter Casazza

Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America

Published: 2015-03-10

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 0883855852

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Mathematicians have pondered the psychology of the members of our tribe probably since mathematics was invented, but for certain since Hadamard’s The Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical Field. The editors asked two dozen prominent mathematicians (and one spouse thereof) to ruminate on what makes us different. The answers they got are thoughtful, interesting and thought-provoking. Not all respondents addressed the question directly. Michael Atiyah reflects on the tension between truth and beauty in mathematics. T.W. Körner, Alan Schoenfeld and Hyman Bass chose to write, reflectively and thoughtfully, about teaching and learning. Others, including Ian Stewart and Jane Hawkins, write about the sociology of our community. Many of the contributions range into philosophy of mathematics and the nature of our thought processes. Any mathematician will find much of interest here.


Book Synopsis I, Mathematician by : Peter Casazza

Download or read book I, Mathematician written by Peter Casazza and published by The Mathematical Association of America. This book was released on 2015-03-10 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mathematicians have pondered the psychology of the members of our tribe probably since mathematics was invented, but for certain since Hadamard’s The Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical Field. The editors asked two dozen prominent mathematicians (and one spouse thereof) to ruminate on what makes us different. The answers they got are thoughtful, interesting and thought-provoking. Not all respondents addressed the question directly. Michael Atiyah reflects on the tension between truth and beauty in mathematics. T.W. Körner, Alan Schoenfeld and Hyman Bass chose to write, reflectively and thoughtfully, about teaching and learning. Others, including Ian Stewart and Jane Hawkins, write about the sociology of our community. Many of the contributions range into philosophy of mathematics and the nature of our thought processes. Any mathematician will find much of interest here.