Higher mathematics are always perceived as hieroglyphics to many — a language that can only be understood by experts.There are many gifted mathematicians, who can solve hard mathematical problems, but there are only a few who have the gift to communicate mathematics to the masses.
One of the few mathematicians who has made excellent explanations about technical concepts is Steven Strogatz. In New York Times’ Opinionator, he wrote 15 articles about different topics in mathematics, and his explanations were simply grand. Here isthe list of his articles:
- From Fish to Infinity
- Rock Groups
- The Enemy of My Enemy
- Division and Its Discontent
- The Joy of X
- Finding your Roots
- Square Dancing
- Think Globally
- Power Tools
- Take it to the Limit
- Change we can Believe
- It Slices, it Dices
- Chances Are
- Group Think
- The Hilbert Hotel
Steven Henry Strogatz (born August 13, 1959) is an Americanmathematician and the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. He is known for his contributions to the study of synchronization in dynamical systems, and for his work in a variety of areas of applied mathematics, including mathematical biologyand complex network theory (Wikipedia).
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I had my algebra class read “the Joy of X.” They did not catch the allusion, but many found it interesting to say the least. Some liked how he explained solving equations. Some were unmoved. At least they were given the opportunity to read about math published in “foreign” setting — the newspaper.
I enjoyed a number of the articles. I was not able to read them all but have them bookmarked.