Bibliographic Information

Geometric constructions

George E. Martin

(Undergraduate texts in mathematics)

Springer, c1998

  • : hc
  • : pbk

Available at  / 59 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Geometric constructions have been a popular part of mathematics throughout history. The first chapter here is informal and starts from scratch, introducing all the geometric constructions from high school that have been forgotten or were never learned. The second chapter formalises Plato's game, and examines problems from antiquity such as the impossibility of trisecting an arbitrary angle. After that, variations on Plato's theme are explored: using only a ruler, a compass, toothpicks, a ruler and dividers, a marked rule, or a tomahawk, ending in a chapter on geometric constructions by paperfolding. The author writes in a charming style and nicely intersperses history and philosophy within the mathematics, teaching a little geometry and a little algebra along the way. This is as much an algebra book as it is a geometry book, yet since all the algebra and geometry needed is developed within the text, very little mathematical background is required. This text has been class tested for several semesters with a master's level class for secondary teachers.

Table of Contents

1 Euclidean Constructions.- 2 The Ruler and Compass.- 3 The Compass and the Mohr-Mascheroni Theorem.- 4 The Ruler.- 5 The Ruler and Dividers.- 6 The Poncelet-Steiner Theorem and Double Rulers.- 7 The Ruler and Rusty Compass.- 8 Sticks.- 9 The Marked Ruler.- 10 Paperfolding.- The Back of the Book.- Suggested Reading and References.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA33852611
  • ISBN
    • 0387982760
    • 9781461268451
  • LCCN
    97022885
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    New York
  • Pages/Volumes
    xi, 203 p.
  • Size
    25 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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