The quadratic formula, discovered independently by many ancient scholars, is a familiar sight to anyone who has studied mathematics. Less well known are formulas for the solutions of cubic and quartic equations whose discoveries were among the high points of sixteenth-century mathematics. Their study forms the heart of this book, as part of the broader theme that a polynomial's coefficients can be used to obtain detailed information on its roots. A closing chapter offers glimpses into the theory of higher-degree polynomials, concluding with a proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra. The book is designed for self-study, with exercises and historical notes provided throughout. It is ideal for high school students eager to go beyond the standard curriculum, undergraduates who desire an in-depth look at a topic they may have unwittingly skipped over, or teachers looking for ways to enhance their presentation of this fascinating topic.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
This book, written to enable self-study, addresses the problem of determining zeros of polynomials from their coefficients, avoiding modern abstract algebra and Galois theory. Irving (Univ. of Washington) developed this work from a course he taught to prospective and in-service secondary school teachers, and it would make welcome reading for any undergraduate interested in seeing some classical algebra that is no longer a regular part of the school curriculum. The author begins with a careful derivation of the quadratic formula to produce Cardano's formula for roots of cubic equations and Euler's formula for solving quartic equations as natural counterparts. Along the way, he constructs the various discriminants for determining the number of distinct real roots, as well as complex arithmetic from scratch. The volume culminates with a discussion of higher-order polynomial equations and a proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra. Irving weaves together the mathematics and the historical development of the methods throughout the book. Exercises form an integral part of the text and are embedded in the exposition so that the reader can be a partner in constructing the algebraic arguments."" - S.J. Colley, CHOICE Magazine
""While the content does go beyond the quadratic formula, that distance is not great. The first four-fifths of the book is a historical and developmental walk through the tactics used to solve polynomials from quadratics up through degree four polynomials. The final section deals with quintic polynomials and the fundamental theorem of algebra. The level of material is generally well within the skill set of the advanced high school student, there are many formulas, although there is also real value in the historical details. For the student thinking about math as a career it is a demonstration of how mathematics has evolved over time at an uncertain pace. Equations considered impossible to solve are ""suddenly"" rendered solvable by one or more mathematicians that develop the correct approach or a dramatically different way of representing things. The best example of this is the development of the complex numbers. Originally used with reluctance, they changed an entire set of equations from those considered impossible to solve to ones that can be easily solved by modern high school students. Several exercises are embedded in the text, no solutions are included. For most people this will not be a problem as they will be able to develop the solutions on their own. This is a solid resource for high school mathematics, the material is well presented. i would be comfortable with giving it to a good student and telling them to learn it on their own and contact me if you need help."" - Charles Ashbacher, Journal of Recreational Mathematics
""There is a great deal to like about this book. It is clearly written and will teach the reader a lot of mathematics that current undergraduates may rarely see. Future teachers, in particular, may find quite a lot of value here, since it clearly conveys the idea that the standard quadratic formula, which most students find boring, is really the tip of a very interesting iceberg."" - Mark Hunacek, MAA Review
Auflage
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Produkt-Hinweis
Fadenheftung
Gewebe-Einband
Illustrationen
11 Line drawings, unspecified
Maße
Höhe: 235 mm
Breite: 155 mm
Dicke: 18 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-88385-783-0 (9780883857830)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Ronald Irving has been a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Washington since 1981, prior to which he held postdoctoral positions at Brandeis University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, San Diego. He became chair of the University of Washington's mathematics department in 2001, Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences in 2002, and Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences in 2006. In 2003, Irving joined the Board of Governors of the Astrophysical Research Consortium and continues to serve as the secretary-treasurer of the consortium. Since 2010, he has been a member of the external board of the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, one of Washington's state museums and a part of the University of Washington. Irving is a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society.
Autor*in
University of Washington
Preface; 1. Polynomials; 2. Quadratic polynomials; 3. Cubic polynomials; 4. Complex numbers; 5. Cubic polynomials, II; 6. Quartic polynomials; 7. Higher-degree polynomials; Bibliography; Index.
