Geometric constructions have been a popular part of mathematics
throughout history. The ancient Greeks made the subject an art, which
was enriched by the medieval Arabs but which required the algebra of
the Renaissance for a thorough understanding. Through coordinate
geometry, various geometric construction tools can be associated with
various fields of real numbers. This book is about these associations.
As specified by Plato, the game is played with a ruler and compass.
The first chapter is informal and starts from scratch, introducing all
the geometric constructions from high school that have been forgotten
or were never seen. The second chapter formalizes Plato's game and
examines problems from antiquity such as the impossibility of
trisecting an arbitrary angle. After that, variations on Plato's theme
are explored: using only a ruler, using only a compass, using
toothpicks, using a ruler and dividers, using a marked rule, using a
tomahawk, and ending with a chapter on geometric constructions by
paperfolding. The author writes in a charming style and nicely
intersperses history and philosophy within the mathematics. He hopes
that readers will learn a little geometry and a little algebra while
enjoying the effort. This is as much an algebra book as it is a
geometry book. Since all the algebra and all the geometry that are
needed is developed within the text, very little mathematical
background is required to read this book. This text has been class
tested for several semesters with a master's level class for secondary
teachers.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781461206293
Publisert
2022
Utgiver
Vendor
Springer
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter