Print ISBN: 978-1-58765-844-0
# of Pages: 1056
# of Volumes: 3
Print List Price: $395
e-ISBN: 978-1-58765-848-8
eBook User Price: $395
Free Online Access
Spread the Word

Encyclopedia of Mathematics and Society

Editors: Sarah J. Greenwald and Jill E. Thomley
October 2011


A fascinating exploration of how mathematics affects our daily lives in sociological, economic, and historical perspectives.

Mathematics is at the root of modern civilization, from measuring temperature on a frigid day to driving a car to using a digital camera; enthusiasts might say applied mathematics rules the world. The Encyclopedia of Mathematics and Society presents some 490 articles showing the math behind our daily lives, explaining to students how and why math works, and allowing readers to better understand how disciplines such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and others affect what we do every day. This outstanding reference is appropriate for both high school and undergraduate programs, making the content readily accessible to public library patrons as well.

Scope & Coverage
This academic, multi-author reference work serves as a general and non-technical resource for students and teachers to understand the importance of mathematics; to appreciate the influence of mathematics on societies around the world; to learn the history of applied mathematics; and to initiate educational discussion brought forth by the specific social and topical articles presented in the work. The essays in this set fall into one or more of the following broad categories:

architecture and engineering

arts, music, and entertainment

business, economics, and marketing

communications and computers

friendship, romance and religion

games, sports, and recreation

government, politics, and history

history and development of curricular concepts

mathematics around the world

mathematics culture and identity

medicine and health

space, time and distance

travel and transportation

weather, nature, and environment.

Organization & Format

The essays are arranged alphabetically and average one to five pages in length. The articles are written in clear language and presented in a uniform, easily readable format. Every article begins with standard, ready-reference top matter which includes the category, fields of study (such as geometry, measurements, communication) and a brief summary. The heart of the essay is anywhere from two to four pages and discusses the interconnections of mathematics, including its meaning, history and usage. Every essays ends with a detailed list of sources for further reading, and see-also cross-references. In addition, every essay is signed by the original contributor.

Special Features
The front matter of this set includes a list of contributors, a detailed publisher's note, and an introduction by the editors. At the end of volume three readers will find a general bibliography, a detailed time line, a glossary of mathematical terms, and a complete subject index.


View a Full List of Education Titles

Order Volumes Individually

Engineering, Technology, and Medicine

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3753-8

Great Mathematicians

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3789-7

Mathematics in Culture & Society

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3751-4

Mathematical Development & Concepts

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3750-7

Mathematics & The Social Sciences

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3752-0

Space, Science, and the Environment

ISBN: 978-1-4298-3754-5