
Creative Mathematics
A Gateway to Research
Alan F. Beardon(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 21. December 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
122 pages
978-0-521-13059-2 (ISBN)
Description
How do mathematicians approach a problem, explore the possibilities, and develop an understanding of a whole area around it? The issue is not simply about obtaining 'the answer'; rather, Beardon explains that a mathematical problem is just one of many related ones that should be simultaneously investigated and discussed at various levels, and that understanding this is a crucial step in becoming a creative mathematician. The book begins with some good advice about procedure, presentation, and organisation that will benefit every mathematician, budding, teaching or practised. In the rest of the book, Beardon presents a series of simple problems, then, through discussion, consideration of special cases, computer experiments, and so on, the reader is taken through these same problems, but at an increasing level of sophistication and generality. Mathematics is rarely a closed book, and seemingly innocent problems, when examined and explored, can lead to results of significance.
Reviews / Votes
"This is an inspiring book."Paul J. Campbell, Mathematics Magazine
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
10 Line drawings, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight
165 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-13059-2 (9780521130592)
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 Classification
Person
Alan F. Beardon studied at London University and Harvard University, and obtained his Ph.D. from Imperial College, London in 1964. He taught at the University of Maryland (USA) and the University of Kent (UK) before moving to the University of Cambridge in 1968. He is the author of 6 mathematical texts and numerous research papers.
Content
Preface; Part I. Style and Presentation: 1. Solving problems; 2. Writing mathematics; 3. Giving a presentation; Part II. The Problems: 4. A first look at the problems; Part III. Solutions and More Problems; Part IV. Discussion and Generalisations; Index.