Author Description
Calculus Is The Key To Much Of Modern Science And Engineering. It Is The Mathematical Method For The Analysis Of Things That Change, And Since In The Natural World We Are Surrounded By Change, The Development Of Calculus Was A Huge Breakthrough In The History Of Mathematics. But It Is Also Something Of A Mathematical Adventure, Largely Because Of The Way Infinity Enters At Virtually Every Twist And Turn... In The Calculus Story David Acheson Presents A Wide-ranging Picture Of Calculus And Its Applications, From Ancient Greece Right Up To The Present Day. Drawing On Their Original Writings, He Introduces The People Who Helped To Build Our Understanding Of Calculus. With A Step By Step Treatment, He Demonstrates How To Start Doing Calculus, From The Very Beginning.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the historical development and practical application of calculus as the primary mathematical tool for analyzing change in the natural world. David Acheson, a mathematician and educator, utilizes a chronological approach to trace the evolution of calculus from its conceptual roots in Ancient Greece to its modern utility in science and engineering. By integrating the original writings of key historical figures with accessible step-by-step explanations, the author constructs a framework that demystifies the role of infinity in mathematical analysis.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical overview of mathematical milestones from Ancient Greece to the present
- Biographical sketches of key contributors to the field of calculus
- Step-by-step instructional sequences for beginners learning calculus
- Analysis of the conceptual role of infinity in mathematical change
Scope Limits
- Does not provide an exhaustive or advanced technical manual for professional engineering applications
- Does not cover non-calculus branches of higher mathematics in significant detail
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Readers frequently note the clarity and accessibility of Acheson's prose, which makes complex mathematical concepts approachable for non-specialists. Experts highlight this as a successful introductory text that balances historical context with practical mathematical instruction.
Page Count:
160
Publication Date:
2017-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192526715
ISBN-13:
9780192526717
Non-Fiction
Education
Science History
Mathematics
Calculus