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Language Of Mathematics : The Stories Behind The Symbols
 ISBN: 9780691201887Price: 27.95  
Volume: Dewey: 510.148Grade Min: Publication Date: 2025-01-14 
LCC: 2024-034860LCN: QA41.R65 2025Grade Max: Version:  
Contributor: Rojas, RalSeries: Publisher: Princeton University PressExtent: 280 
Contributor: Aparicio, EduardoReviewer: Donald Z. SpicerAffiliation: formerly, University System of MarylandIssue Date: June 2025 
Contributor:     

Mathematics has evolved over thousands of years. In recent centuries, it has become highly symbolic. Since the 18th century, there has been a movement toward universal agreement on the meaning of various symbols, not only within mathematics itself but also in science and engineering. Language of Mathematics charts the evolution of many common symbols used in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. It can be considered a history of mathematics, but one specifically focused on these symbols. Chapters, which can be read independently, focus on symbols used in various areas of mathematics. The book is very readable, requiring no mathematical ability other than an understanding of the mathematical context in which various symbols are used. It has a significant bibliography. There is another book with a similar title, Language of Mathematics: Making the Invisible Visible, by Keith Devlin (CH, May'99, 36-5133). There is some overlap in the content of these books, but the Devlin book focuses more on the evolution of mathematics, while this book focuses on the evolution of the symbols.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates through faculty; two-year technical program students; professionals.