Overview

Age range 14+ One of the hardest questions that mathematics teachers have to answer is 'Why?' Schoolroom sums are crucial in learning the awesome power of mathematics, but they are often a world away from how the knowledge is applied and where it came from. Inside Mathematics: Geometry is there to fill that gap. The word 'geometry' means to 'measure the Earth.' Ancient mathematicians wanting to do more than count money and merchandise used geometry to model the natural world and then the world of numbers that lies behind it. What began by scratching circles and squares in the dirt has led to to infinitely large shapes you could hold in your hand, a Universe in which straight lines can be curved, and Internet search engines that handle information as structures with hundreds of dimensions. Inside Mathematics: Geometry introduces the amazing people who figured out how shapes work and how they can be used to unlock secrets of nature. Written to engage, and enthuse young people, it show readers how ideas of long-dead geniuses ended up in their homework assignment: Trigonometry is not just about triangles — it can tell you how big the Universe is. Not every polyhedron has three dimensions: The tesseract of sci-fi movies really exists as a four-dimensional cube that can turn itself inside out.

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9781627951388

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Gr 8 Up--Goldsmith explains the history of geometry though important mathematicians, significant concepts, and a variety of shapes. Beginning in ancient times with simple concepts (the Pythagorean theorem), the book progresses to the advanced, complex geometry studied today, such as non-Euclidean geometry. Stories and puzzles help make sense of the math and retain readers' interest. An abundance of color photos and drawings provide visual examples described in the text. All of these aspects work together to deliver a book that is fun to read. While some topics need further research to be understood, Goldsmith's lively tone will encourage readers to expand their knowledge. The book's complexity and lack of thorough explanations will deter novice learners or those struggling with math. A table of contents, a glossary, and an index are included. VERDICT: Give this visually appealing book to readers who love math and are looking to explore concepts beyond their textbook. -- Katherine Rao, Palos Verdes Library District, CA, School Library Journal, December 13, 2019

Author Information

Dr. Mike Goldsmith is a science writer and former head of the U.K.'s National Physical Laboratory, where he specialized in astronomy and the science of sound. In his many nonfiction books for children, Mike engages with a wide range of topics, including mathematics, space exploration, time travel and the history of science. Mike received a PhD in astrophysics from Keele University in the U.K. He lives in Twickenham, London. Tom Jackson, series editor, is a science and technology writer based in the United Kingdom. Tom specializes in recasting these subjects into lively historical narratives by uncovering lively stories that help to create new ways to enjoy the sciences. He studied at the University of Bristol and still lives in the city with his wife and three children.

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