Algebra - The x And y of Everyday Math

by Michael Willers

Algebra is all around us. Whether we realize it or not, it both represents and influences the world in a huge variety of ways—from the number of petals on a flower, to the interest rate on your mortgage. What’s more, the language of mathematics and the ideas it expresses can be beautiful in their own right.

Algebra: The x and y of Everyday Math takes you on a tour of the development of algebra and mathematics. On the way, you will meet fascinating figures and ideas from around the world, and you will also be faced with a range of problems to solve yourself.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Reference

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[David Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terse and well linked to history, the humanity of the mathematician, chronology, and the interrelations of the characters and their innovations in mathematics. Cleverly interleaved with puns, graphs, multiple approaches and solutions to punny problems, and a final flourishes on complex and imaginary numbers, parametric and trigonometric approaches, cyphers, and codes. Well conceived and executed!

[Dominik Zofcin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the progression through the history of mathematics, which I feel was similar to The Math Book by Clifford A. Pickover and I enjoyed the exercises it provided me with. Overall, 4/5 stars.

[Cahlen Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome refresher and reference manual. Easy to read, easy to comprehend and the price was right. Essential addition to any mathematics major's library.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good review. Liked the author's sense of humor and the sample problems. Enjoyed the history of math. Surprisingly easy read for the subject matter.

[kimyunalesca]

I think this one pretty much covers the basics,useful techniques and other stuff which is cool and awesome!

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

An overview of math and its major contributors. A good beginners guide.