Measurement

Lockhart s "Mathematician s Lament" outlined how we introduce math to students in the wrong way. "Measurement" explains how math should be done. With plain English and pictures, he makes complex ideas about shape and motion intuitive and graspable, and offers a solution to math phobia by introducing us to math as an artful way of thinking and living. For seven years, Paul Lockhart s "A Mathematician s Lament" enjoyed a samizdat-style popularity in the mathematics underground, before demand prompted its 2009 publication to even wider applause and debate. An impassioned critique of K 12 mathematics education, it outlined how we shortchange students by introducing them to math the wrong way. Here Lockhart offers the positive side of the math education story by showing us how math should be done. "Measurement "offers a permanent solution to math phobia by introducing us to mathematics as an artful way of thinking and living. In conversational prose that conveys his passion for the subject, Lockhart makes mathematics accessible without oversimplifying. He makes no more attempt to hide the challenge of mathematics than he does to shield us from its beautiful intensity. Favoring plain English and pictures over jargon and formulas, he succeeds in making complex ideas about the mathematics of shape and motion intuitive and graspable. His elegant discussion of mathematical reasoning and themes in classical geometry offers proof of his conviction that mathematics illuminates art as much as science. Lockhart leads us into a universe where beautiful designs and patterns float through our minds and do surprising, miraculous things. As we turn our thoughts to symmetry, circles, cylinders, and cones, we begin to see that almost anyone can do the math in a way that brings emotional and aesthetic rewards. "Measurement" is an invitation to summon curiosity, courage, and creativity in order to experience firsthand the playful excitement of mathematical work." Reality and imagination -- On problems -- Size and shape. In which we begin our investigation of abstract geometrical figures -- Symmetrical tiling and angle measurement -- Scaling and proportion -- Length, area, and volume -- The method of exhaustion and its consequences -- Polygons and trigonometry -- Conic sections and projective geometry -- Mechanical curves -- Time and space. Containing some thoughts on mathematical motion -- Coordinate systems and dimension -- Motion as a numerical relationship -- Vector representation and mechanical relativity -- The measurement of velocity -- The differential calculus and its myriad uses -- Some final words of encouragement to the reader. Explains How Math Should Be Done. With Plain English And Pictures, He Makes Complex Ideas About Shape And Motion Intuitive And Graspable, And Offers A Solution To Math Phobia By Introducing Us To Math As An Artful Way Of Thinking And Living. Reality And Imagination -- On Problems -- Size And Shape -- Time And Space. Paul Lockhart. Includes Index. Lockhart's 'Mathematician's Lament' outlined how we introduce mathematics to students in the wrong way. This book explains how mathematics should be done. With plain English and pictures, he makes complex ideas about shape and motion intuitive and graspable, and offers a solution to mathematic phobia Explains how math should be done. With plain English and pictures, Lockhart makes complex ideas about shape and motion intuitive and graspable, and offers a solution to math phobia by introducing us to math as an artful way of thinking and living