Most of our U X L advisors list mathematics reference as the number one priority for their school curriculum -- and sadly there are very few sources that address this subject at the middle school level. To fill this need for in-depth definitions and essays on mathematical concepts and scientists for younger audiences, U X L developed Math and Mathematicians.
This two-volume set contains facts and features that make learning about mathematics enjoyable. Students will find everything from biographies, encyclopedic articles and chronologies to word definitions and fascinating trivia.
Middle school and high school students working on cross-curriculum assignments in math class or science projects will find 50 contemporary and historical biographies ranging from three-to-five pages covering the early life, influences and career of mathematicians from around the world. They'll also discover approximately 35 concept and principle articles -- ranging from two to four pages -- describing the time period, culture and circumstances in which the breakthrough was discovered and a non-technical explanation of the principles involved. Some of the math concepts covered include currency, logarithms, prime numbers, quadrilaterals, time, weight and more.
Chronological arrangements introduce the life and achievements of the individuals profiled and contain quotes by or about the biographee, further reading lists and other anecdotal information to keep each entry interesting. Among the many mathematicians featured in this student-friendly reference include:
- Niels Abel, Norwegian algebraist
- Maria Agnesi, Italian mathematician
- George Boole, English mathematician and logician
- Euclid of Alexandria, Greek geometer
- Galileo, Italian physicist and astronomer
- Al-Khwarizmi, Arab algebraist and astronomer
- Isaac Newton, English mathematician and physicist
- Emmy Noether, German mathematician
- Pythagoras of Samos, Greek geometer and philosopher
- Srinivasa Ramanujan, East Indian number theorist
"Words to Know" sidebars are included to provide definitions for difficult mathematical and common terms, with a cumulative "Words to Know" section located in each volume's front matter. Readers will also find photographs, diagrams, charts, numerous fact boxes and other graphics to help them understand the everyday applications of these greatest mathematical discoveries.
