Debbie Gochenaur Reviews Uncommon Mathematical Excursions

Debbie Gochenaur reviews Uncommon Mathematical Excursions: Polynomia and Related Realms by Dan Kalman as part of MAA Reviews. Offering an assortment of topics in the algebra, geometry, and calculus curricula, this book is intended as an enrichment for those familiar with these topics at the upper-secondary or introductory college math level. While the book may be geared especially for teachers who have taught their courses enough times to be thoroughly comfortable with the content, advanced students, as well as scientists and mathematicians in general, may find topics within this book intriguing. It has the potential to appeal to a broad audience. The book is meant to guide the readers in exploring ideas that are related to his/her core mathematical knowledge. The book is divided into three parts — The Province of Polynomia, Maxiministan, and The Calculusian Republic. Kalman ensures that the reader can make connections to known undergraduate mathematics and advanced secondary topics in the algebra, geometry, and calculus domains; he works to help the reader make extensions and perhaps understand more clearly the depth of mathematics in these seemingly elementary topics. Overall, the reader may be surprised by aspects of a particular topic that will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for the mathematics. Read the full review here. Purchase your copy in the MAA Store.