Algebra the Beautiful - by G Arnell Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mathematicians and scientists frequently say that math - algebra in particular -- is beautiful. But the rest of us may not see it that way - and who can blame us? After all, if your childhood memories of math are mostly about anxiety and frustration, it can feel like the "true beauty" of math must be reserved for mathematicians and geniuses of the highest caliber. Award-winning mathematics professor Gerald Williams is here to change that. Algebra the Beautiful is a journey into the theoretical heart of elementary math that proves just how big, dramatic, and relevant this discipline really is. Drawing from 25 years of teaching mathematics to liberal arts students, Williams blends metaphor, history, and storytelling with numbers and equations to bring the hidden grandeur of his subject into view. Williams doesn't ignore the obvious practical applications of algebra, delving into how we use it to think about motion and to reckon with the unknown and the unpredictable. At the same time, he shows readers how to think of algebra the same way they might think about a symphony or a painting. Yes, to create one, you must know how to use brushes and paints, or how violins or clarinets sound on their own. But to appreciate them - to enjoy them - you are better off learning how the parts work together to create a wonderful whole. Whether you're a teacher looking to make math come alive for your students; a parent hoping to get your children engaged and ahead; a student trying to come to terms with a sometimes bewildering subject; or just a lover of mathematics, this book has something for you. Gerald Williams shows all of us how we can grasp the beauty and harmony of algebra"--

Book Synopsis

A mathematician reveals the hidden beauty, power, and--yes--fun of algebra

What comes to mind when you think about algebra? For many of us, it's memories of dull or frustrating classes in high school. Award-winning mathematics professor G. Arnell Williams is here to change that. Algebra the Beautiful is a journey into the heart of fundamental math that proves just how amazing this subject really is.

Drawing on lessons from twenty-five years of teaching mathematics, Williams blends metaphor, history, and storytelling to uncover algebra's hidden grandeur. Whether you're a teacher looking to make math come alive for your students, a parent hoping to get your children engaged, a student trying to come to terms with a sometimes bewildering subject, or just a lover of mathematics, this book has something for you. With a passion that's contagious, G. Arnell Williams shows how each of us can grasp the beauty and harmony of algebra.

Review Quotes

"Williams provides plenty of 'food-for-thought' for those teachers who wish to teach algebra as more than just a series of algorithms to memorize and aspire to help students learn an algebraic way of thinking."--Tom French, MAA Reviews

"Anybody who teaches introductory mathematics, whether in fourth grade or at a university, will find much food for thought in this book."--Judith Grabiner, professor emeritus, mathematics, Pitzer College, and fellow of the American Mathematical Society

"Algebra the Beautiful is a rich paean within a workbook (of sorts), or possibly a workbook within a paean.... Mr. Williams articulates and affirms his goal, admittedly 'lofty, illusory'--yet attainable, he believes: teaching algebra through fulfilling experiences and unifying ideas."--Siobhan Roberts, Wall Street Journal

"[a] shrewd attempt to win over math averse readers . . . [Williams'] passion is worth sticking around for."--Publishers Weekly

"G. Arnell Williams has written a book that alters the way students who struggle with algebra should learn the subject. Algebra the Beautiful embraces the foundational contents of a few approachable topics that link to a further complete and deeper understanding of algebra."--Joseph Mazur, professor emeritus, mathematics, Marlboro College, and author of Euclid in the Rainforest

"The book is interesting, parts are beautifully written, and the whole is quite original."--David Mumford, Fields Medal laureate

About the Author

G. Arnell Williams is a professor of mathematics at San Juan College in New Mexico. He is the author of How Math Works and the recipient of numerous teaching awards. Williams holds degrees in physics from California State University at Long Beach and mathematics from Yale University. He lives in Northwestern New Mexico.