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.

Charles Hadlock on Six Sources of Collapse

Last week, Charles Hadlock presented a talk entitled, “Sustainability or Collapse? An Exploration of Key Dynamics That May Determine Our Future,” as part of the MAA Distinguished Lecture Series.  While at the MAA, we had a chance to interview Hadlock on his latest book, Six Sources of Collapse.

Check out the interview below.

Interested? Purchase the book at the MAA Store

or the ebook at the MAA eBooks Store.

Darren Glass reviews Martin Gardner in the Twenty-First Century

Darren Glass reviews Martin Gardner in the Twenty-First Century edited by Michael Henle and Brian Hopkins as an MAA review. Martin Gardner is probably as close as any author covered by MAA Reviews could come to needing no introduction. So rather than spend my own energy trying to write one, let me quote from a few other reviews of his works that have been written on this site over the years:      “Martin Gardner is a national treasure, someone whose           contribution to mathematics has been immense.”      “Ask almost any mathematician who grew up during the       1960s or 1970s, and they’ll tell you about the enormous       influence Martin Gardner’s Mathematical Games column had on them.” “[Gardner] has enlightened, educated and delighted readers around the world during many decades as a prolific contributor to many publications” “It is hard to exaggerate the importance and influence of these books. You must have them! Buy one for yourself, and buy many to give away.” To read the whole review, click here. To purchase, visit the MAA Store or the MAA eBooks Store. Darren Glass is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Gettysburg College, and one of the best mathematical experiences he has had was speaking at a Gathering For Gardner conference a few years ago. He would be happy to ramble about how great it was or any number of other topics, and can be reached at dglass@gettysburg.edu.