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Armchair Algebra: Everything You Need to Know From Inters To Equations (Volume 1)
The principles of algebra were founded by al-Khwarizmi many centuries ago, in a time when mankind had no calculators, computers, or electronic gadgets. There were no telephones and the only means of communication was by messenger on horseback and boat. Yet the usefulness of algebra in almost every walk of life involving numbers has ensured not only its survival but also its continued development right up to the present day.
Armchair Algebra is a collection of problems, some with a very practical application, others designed as purely theoretical puzzles, that will offer something of interest to everyone. Each section is written in an easy-to-follow format and guides the reader progressively through this fascinating subject. Understand algebra, and all other branches of mathematics and arithmetic will suddenly open up in front of you.
Armchair Algebra starts with a section of Algebra Basics, which provides topic-specific introductions to all of the basic theories and skills you’ll need for the exercises contained throughout the book. Each subsequent section consists of a combination of exercises, profiles, and background information on a range of fascinating subjects.
Armchair Algebra is a collection of problems, some with a very practical application, others designed as purely theoretical puzzles, that will offer something of interest to everyone. Each section is written in an easy-to-follow format and guides the reader progressively through this fascinating subject. Understand algebra, and all other branches of mathematics and arithmetic will suddenly open up in front of you.
Armchair Algebra starts with a section of Algebra Basics, which provides topic-specific introductions to all of the basic theories and skills you’ll need for the exercises contained throughout the book. Each subsequent section consists of a combination of exercises, profiles, and background information on a range of fascinating subjects.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published February 13, 2018
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 17, 2022
I always tell my students, if they want to master mathematics, the basic thing that needs to be mastered first is algebra. Algebra is the foundation of mathematics. My teaching experience is not much, but what I can see is that algebra is the main enemy of my students, especially in Additional Mathematics.
This book really gives me a good insight on how to get a better understanding of algebra. From basic integers to fairly complex equations, the author managed to work on the important content well. The author uses easy-to-understand parables to give a better explanation about the so called hard algebra. It is really amazing when I can understand about permutation and combination perfectly when I read Willers' explanation in this book (Even though I am really into mathematics, my biggest weakness is probability that includes permutation and combination). He really gives easy example and easy way to understand and remember about the topic.
Personally, I think this book is really useful for teacher who want to deliver and give a better understanding about algebra to their students. The example/exercise given in this book really got my attention and I can use the games/math magic that have been provided in this book such as the Pascal triangle and cipher-deciphering game.
In this book, there are several sections; notes about algebra topic, history lesson about mathematic figure, algebra application in real life, exercise and some math games. For KSSM syllabus (Malaysian education syllabus), all these features really fit the cross-curricular elements (history lesson), problem-based learning (exercise based on real life situation) and it also can provides some alternative ways of teaching.
Overall, I love this book!
This book really gives me a good insight on how to get a better understanding of algebra. From basic integers to fairly complex equations, the author managed to work on the important content well. The author uses easy-to-understand parables to give a better explanation about the so called hard algebra. It is really amazing when I can understand about permutation and combination perfectly when I read Willers' explanation in this book (Even though I am really into mathematics, my biggest weakness is probability that includes permutation and combination). He really gives easy example and easy way to understand and remember about the topic.
Personally, I think this book is really useful for teacher who want to deliver and give a better understanding about algebra to their students. The example/exercise given in this book really got my attention and I can use the games/math magic that have been provided in this book such as the Pascal triangle and cipher-deciphering game.
In this book, there are several sections; notes about algebra topic, history lesson about mathematic figure, algebra application in real life, exercise and some math games. For KSSM syllabus (Malaysian education syllabus), all these features really fit the cross-curricular elements (history lesson), problem-based learning (exercise based on real life situation) and it also can provides some alternative ways of teaching.
Overall, I love this book!
March 10, 2020
The book is small and concise. The binomial equation problem that keep appearing between stories may haunt some readers but anyone who has understanding of high school math should not be afraid. In one day, I had read 80 pages in day one including the math problem being discussed. Yes, the book is so easy to read.
I am a little bit disappointed that the math problem seemed to be irrelevant with the story of the mathematicians. For example, the binomial problem have the negative sign while the mathematician being told in the previous page was a Greek who ignored zero and negative number as the other Greek mathematician.
Thus, it seemed there were two books merged into one. One, the book about the history of the mathematician from Indian, Persian, Greek, Italian, etc. The second book was the simple introduction to the algebra by giving a simple problem.
I am a little bit disappointed that the math problem seemed to be irrelevant with the story of the mathematicians. For example, the binomial problem have the negative sign while the mathematician being told in the previous page was a Greek who ignored zero and negative number as the other Greek mathematician.
Thus, it seemed there were two books merged into one. One, the book about the history of the mathematician from Indian, Persian, Greek, Italian, etc. The second book was the simple introduction to the algebra by giving a simple problem.
Currently Reading
January 7, 2020TINY font, FAINT print, and LIMITED INDEX made this otherwise excellent book a waste of time. There are other excellent books that don't strain the eyeballs. I gave up on this one mid-way through.
Incidentally, the title here is incorrect. Should be "from integers," not "from inters." Excellent book if one can read it.
Incidentally, the title here is incorrect. Should be "from integers," not "from inters." Excellent book if one can read it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews