Mathematics for the Liberal Arts

Mathematics for the Liberal Arts provides a comprehensible and precise introduction to modern mathematics intertwined with the history of mathematical discoveries. The book discusses mathematical ideas in the context of the unfolding story of human thought and highlights the application of mathematics in everyday life.

Divided into two parts, Mathematics for the Liberal Arts first traces the history of mathematics from the ancient world to the Middle Ages, then moves on to the Renaissance and finishes with the development of modern mathematics. In the second part, the book explores major topics of calculus and number theory, including problem-solving techniques and real-world applications. This book emphasizes learning through doing, presents a practical approach, and features:

• A detailed explanation of why mathematical principles are true and how the mathematical processes work
• Numerous figures and diagrams as well as hundreds of worked examples and exercises, aiding readers to further visualize the presented concepts
• Various real-world practical applications of mathematics, including error-correcting codes and the space shuttle program
• Vignette biographies of renowned mathematicians
• Appendices with solutions to selected exercises and suggestions for further reading

Mathematics for the Liberal Arts is an excellent introduction to the history and concepts of mathematics for undergraduate liberal arts students and readers in non-scientific fields wishing to gain a better understanding of mathematics and mathematical problem-solving skills.

DONALD BINDNER, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Truman State University.

MARTIN J. ERICKSON, PhD, is Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Computer Science at Truman State University and the author or coauthor of numerous books on mathematical topics.

JOE HEMMETER, PhD, is a freelance software developer and a past professor of mathematics at both the University of Delaware and Truman State University.