Geometrical Kaleidoscope (Second Edition)


Book Description

The goal of the book is to provide insight into many enjoyable and fascinating aspects of geometry, and to reveal interesting geometrical properties. The emphasis is on the practical applications of theory in the problem-solving process. The chapters cover a myriad of topics among which are the classic theorems and formulas such as Archimedes' Law of the Lever, the Pythagorean Theorem, Heron's formula, Brahmagupta's formula, Appollonius's Theorem, Euler's line properties, the Nine-Point Circle, Fagnano's Problem, the Steiner-Lehmus Theorem, Napoleon's Theorem, Ceva's Theorem, Menelaus's Theorem, Pompeiu's Theorem, and Morley's Miracle. The book focuses on geometric thinking — what it means, how to develop it, and how to recognize it. 'Geometrical Kaleidoscope' consists of a kaleidoscope of topics that seem to not be related at first glance. However, that perception disappears as you go from chapter to chapter and explore the multitude of surprising relationships, unexpected connections, and links. Readers solving a chain of problems will learn from them general techniques, rather than isolated instances of the application of a technique. In spite of the many problems' challenging character, their solutions require no more than a basic knowledge covered in a high school geometry curriculum. There are plenty of problems for readers to work out for themselves (solutions are provided at the end of the book).In the 2nd edition of the book there are many new ideas and additional explanations that help the reader better understand the solutions of problems and connect the chapters to one another. A new chapter 'Alternative proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem' is added. It covers seven different proofs of the famous theorem and discusses its generalizations and applications. There is also Appendix and Index added, which were missing in the first edition of the book.




Perspectives on the Teaching of Geometry for the 21st Century


Book Description

In recent years geometry seems to have lost large parts of its former central position in mathematics teaching in most countries. However, new trends have begun to counteract this tendency. There is an increasing awareness that geometry plays a key role in mathematics and learning mathematics. Although geometry has been eclipsed in the mathematics curriculum, research in geometry has blossomed as new ideas have arisen from inside mathematics and other disciplines, including computer science. Due to reassessment of the role of geometry, mathematics educators and mathematicians face new challenges. In the present ICMI study, the whole spectrum of teaching and learning of geometry is analysed. Experts from all over the world took part in this study, which was conducted on the basis of recent international research, case studies, and reports on actual school practice. This book will be of particular interest to mathematics educators and mathematicians who are involved in the teaching of geometry at all educational levels, as well as to researchers in mathematics education.




The Man Who Saved Geometry


Book Description

An illuminating biography of one of the greatest geometers of the twentieth century Driven by a profound love of shapes and symmetries, Donald Coxeter (1907–2003) preserved the tradition of classical geometry when it was under attack by influential mathematicians who promoted a more algebraic and austere approach. His essential contributions include the famed Coxeter groups and Coxeter diagrams, tools developed through his deep understanding of mathematical symmetry. The Man Who Saved Geometry tells the story of Coxeter’s life and work, placing him alongside history’s greatest geometers, from Pythagoras and Plato to Archimedes and Euclid—and it reveals how Coxeter’s boundless creativity reflects the adventurous, ever-evolving nature of geometry itself. With an incisive, touching foreword by Douglas R. Hofstadter, The Man Who Saved Geometry is an unforgettable portrait of a visionary mathematician.




Mathematical Labyrinths. Pathfinding


Book Description

Mathematical Labyrinths. Pathfinding provides an overview of various non-standard problems and the approaches to their solutions. The essential idea is a framework laid upon the reader on how to solve nonconventional problems — particularly in the realm of mathematics and logic. It goes over the key steps in approaching a difficult problem, contemplating a plan for its solution, and discusses set of mental models to solve math problems.The book is not a routine set of problems. It is rather an entertaining and educational journey into the fascinating world of mathematical reasoning and logic. It is about finding the best path to a solution depending on the information given, asking and answering the right questions, analyzing and comparing alternative approaches to problem solving, searching for generalizations and inventing new problems. It also considers as an important pedagogical tool playing mathematical and logical games, deciphering mathematical sophisms, and interpreting mathematical paradoxes.It is suitable for mathematically talented and curious students in the age range 10-20. There are many 'Eureka'- type, out of the ordinary, fun problems that require bright idea and insight. These intriguing and thought-provoking brainteasers and logic puzzles should be enjoyable by the audience of almost any age group, from 6-year-old children to 80-year-old and older adults.




Transdisciplinarity


Book Description

This contributed volume book aims at discussing transdisciplinary approaches to address common problems. By working transdisciplinarily, researchers coming from different disciplines can work jointly using a shared conceptual framework bringing together disciplinary-specific theories and concepts. There are numerous barriers that can obstruct effective communication between different cultures, communities, religions and geographies. This book shows that through bringing together different disciplines, researchers not only can surpass these barriers but can effectively produce new venues of thought that can positively affect the development and evolution of research and education. The book discusses new and emerging applications of knowledge produced by transdisciplinary efforts and covers the interplay of many disciplines, including agriculture, economics, mathematics, engineering, industry, information technology, marketing, nanoscience, neuroscience, space exploration, human-animal relationships, among others. Consequently, it also covers the relationship between art and science, as one of the most remarkable transdisciplinary approaches that paves the way for new methods in engineering, design, architecture and many other fields.




Expanding Mathematical Toolbox: Interweaving Topics, Problems, and Solutions


Book Description

Expanding Mathematical Toolbox: Interweaving Topics, Problems, and Solutions offers several topics from different mathematical disciplines and shows how closely they are related. The purpose of this book is to direct the attention of readers who have an interest in and talent for mathematics to engaging and thought-provoking problems that should help them change their ways of thinking, entice further exploration and possibly lead to independent research and projects in mathematics. In spite of the many challenging problems, most solutions require no more than a basic knowledge covered in a high-school math curriculum. To shed new light on a deeper appreciation for mathematical relationships, the problems are selected to demonstrate techniques involving a variety of mathematical ideas. Included are some interesting applications of trigonometry, vector algebra and Cartesian coordinate system techniques, and geometrical constructions and inversion in solving mechanical engineering problems and in studying models explaining non-Euclidean geometries. This book is primarily directed at secondary school teachers and college professors. It will be useful in teaching mathematical reasoning because it emphasizes how to teach students to think creatively and strategically and how to make connections between math disciplines. The text also can be used as a resource for preparing for mathematics Olympiads. In addition, it is aimed at all readers who want to study mathematics, gain deeper understanding and enhance their problem-solving abilities. Readers will find fresh ideas and topics offering unexpected insights, new skills to expand their horizons and an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.




Surameris and the Chest of Secrets


Book Description

Twenty-five years ago, Fresia Castro started a personal journey in which the usual became extraordinaire forever. Her journey started in Chile, then continued in France, and culminated with the unveiling of the Seven Documents in South America, in the Atacama Desert, in which the keys to access the universal truths are contained. Surameris is the story of that journey and a series of events that portend better times. This new proposal of the universe demands of us a great internal creative preparation, and learn to look at life in new ways. The people of America should encourage people of other continents to perform the Original Master Plan, awaken the personal adventure, discover their true role in this life and continue the relentless pursuit of perfection in every act, in love, health, work, family, and knowledge of life. An opportunity to manifest the glory foretold by ancient cultures.




On the Shoulders of Giants


Book Description

What mathematics should be learned by today's young people as well as tomorrow's workforce? On the Shoulders of Giants is a vision of richness of mathematics expressed in essays on change, dimension, quantity, shape, and uncertainty, each of which illustrate fundamental strands for school mathematics. These essays expand on the idea of mathematics as the language and science of patterns, allowing us to realize the importance of providing hands-on experience and the development of a curriculum that will enable students to apply their knowledge to diverse numerical problems.




A Participatory Approach To Modern Geometry


Book Description

This book aims to make the subject of geometry and its applications easy and comfortable to understand by students majoring in mathematics or the liberal arts, architecture and design. It can be used to teach students at different levels of computational ability and there is also sufficient novel material to interest students at a higher cognitive level. While the book goes deeply into the applications of geometry, it contains much introductory material which up to now may not have been known to the student. The constructive approach using compass and straightedge engages students, not just on an intellectual level, but also at a tactile level. This may be the only rigorous book offering geometry that attempts to engage students outside of the mathematics discipline.




Geometry for the Artist


Book Description

Geometry for the Artist is based on a course of the same name which started in the 1980s at Maharishi International University. It is aimed both at artists willing to dive deeper into geometry and at mathematicians open to learning about applications of mathematics in art. The book includes topics such as perspective, symmetry, topology, fractals, curves, surfaces, and more. A key part of the book’s approach is the analysis of art from a geometric point of view—looking at examples of how artists use each new topic. In addition, exercises encourage students to experiment in their own work with the new ideas presented in each chapter. This book is an exceptional resource for students in a general-education mathematics course or teacher-education geometry course, and since many assignments involve writing about art, this text is ideal for a writing-intensive course. Moreover, this book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in connections between mathematics and art. Features Abundant examples of artwork displayed in full color Suitable as a textbook for a general-education mathematics course or teacher-education geometry course Designed to be enjoyed by both artists and mathematicians