Product Description

Authoritative and reliable, this A-Z provides jargon-free definitions for even the most technical mathematical terms. With 3,000 entries ranging from Achilles paradox to zero matrix, it covers all commonly encountered terms and concepts from pure and applied mathematics and statistics, for example, linear algebra, optimisation, nonlinear equations, and differential equations. In addition, there are entries on major mathematicians and on topics of more general interest, such as fractals, game theory, and chaos. Using graphs, diagrams, and charts to render definitions as comprehensible as possible, entries are clear and accessible and offer an ideal introduction to the subject. Useful appendices follow the A-Z dictionary and include lists of Nobel Prize winners and Fields' medallists, Greek letters, formulae, and - new to this edition - tables of inequalities, moments of inertia, Roman numerals, and more. This edition contains recommended web links at entry level, which are accessible and kept up to date via the Dictionary of Mathematics companion website. Fully revised and updated in line with curriculum and degree requirements this dictionary is indispensable for students and teachers of mathematics, and for anyone encountering mathematics in the workplace.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #60176 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 528 pages

Review
'the depth of information provided is admirable' New Scientist 'the style encourages browsing and a desire to find out more about the topics discussed' Mathematica

Mathematica
`the style encourages browsing and a desire to find out more about the topics discussed'

About the Author
Christopher Clapham was until 1993 Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Aberdeen and has also taught at universities in Nigeria, Lesotho, and Malawi. He is the author of Introduction to Abstract Algebra and Introduction to Mathematical Analysis. He lives in Exeter.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
Of the short mathematics dictionaries available I would recommend this one. Its target audience is anyone from the curious to first year undergraduate students.

It gives concise definitions followed by clear explanations written in plain english. It has broad coverage of the traditional areas of mathematics, but also includes historical entries, important theorems, mathematical definitions from physical science and modern developments. Its cross-referencing is excellent and its type-set make for comfortable reading. Most important of all it makes what can seem like a dry subject interesting.

A good source for succinct definitions of many core terms and concepts, but limited in scope
This dictionary is nicely suited for its purpose, i.e., a relatively compact presentation of core terms and concepts. Although this edition is approximately 150 pages longer than the previous edition, its still relatively compact when compared to full size mathematics dictionaries. While not as comprehensive as larger volumes (e.g., the excellent but older Mathematics Dictionary by James and James), this dictionary often provides more concise definitions then its cohorts.

Its smaller size means its often quicker to find the terms you want here than in a larger dictionary, and its also a plus if you travel frequently, as it more easily fits into a carry bag or computer case. Its primary weakness is its lack of more comprehensive coverage, occasionally, lacking definitions of even some basic terms.

Having more than one mathematics dictionary can provide different perspectives. Thus, although this cannot be recommended as the 'one' mathematics dictionary to own, it can be recommended for use with other dictionaries as a good alternate source for concise definitions.