Math 330: History of Mathematics

Last updated: 30 August 2009

Handouts and Links

Here are some handouts and links

Unit Fraction Table . This table is essentially that found at the beginning of the Rhind/Ahmes papyrus. (for first test).

A simple Base Converter spreadsheet.

Greek Alphabet . This is a helpful guide to the Greek alphabet.

Essay on constructing numbers (with straightedge and compass).

Website that explains the Chinese rod numerals.

Website that explains Mayan mathematics

Handout that shows a variety of forms of the Hindu-Arabic numerals.

Notes on Cavalieri's Principle.

Course information

This course is mainly designed for math majors and anyone planning to teach high school level mathematics. However, anyone interested in the history of mathematics and science, and who have had a good calculus course, will find this course valuable.

Three required texts:

This course has three textbooks. These books are not designed merely for course study, but will serve as convenient references for the rest of you career. (You will also be required to buy a compass for geometric constructions).

A History of Mathematics
by Carl B. Boyer
ISBN: 0471543977
Paperback: 736 pages
Publisher: Wiley (2nd edition, 1991)

Math Through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others,
by William P. Berlinghoff, Fernando Q. Gouvea
ISBN: 0883857367
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (2nd edition, 2003)

Isaac Newton
by James Gleick
ISBN: 1400032954 (or 9781400032952)
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Vintage (2004)

Instructor Information

Dr. Wayne Aitken
Office: SCI2 327
Telephone: (760) 750-4155 (but I prefer e-mail)
e-mail: waitken@csusm.edu