Methods of Geometry - Annotated by James T Smith Hardcover

Book Synopsis

A practical, accessible introduction to advanced geometryExceptionally well-written and filled with historical andbibliographic notes, Methods of Geometry presents a practical andproof-oriented approach. The author develops a wide range ofsubject areas at an intermediate level and explains how theoriesthat underlie many fields of advanced mathematics ultimately leadto applications in science and engineering. Foundations, basicEuclidean geometry, and transformations are discussed in detail andapplied to study advanced plane geometry, polyhedra, isometries, similarities, and symmetry. An excellent introduction to advancedconcepts as well as a reference to techniques for use inindependent study and research, Methods of Geometry alsofeatures:

* Ample exercises designed to promote effective problem-solvingstrategies

* Insight into novel uses of Euclidean geometry

* More than 300 figures accompanying definitions and proofs

* A comprehensive and annotated bibliography

* Appendices reviewing vector and matrix algebra, least upperbound principle, and equivalence relations

An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all theproblems in the book is available upon request from the Wileyeditorial department.

From the Back Cover

A practical, accessible introduction to advanced geometry

Exceptionally well-written and filled with historical and bibliographic notes, Methods of Geometry presents a practical and proof-oriented approach. The author develops a wide range of subject areas at an intermediate level and explains how theories that underlie many fields of advanced mathematics ultimately lead to applications in science and engineering. Foundations, basic Euclidean geometry, and transformations are discussed in detail and applied to study advanced plane geometry, polyhedra, isometries, similarities, and symmetry. An excellent introduction to advanced concepts as well as a reference to techniques for use in independent study and research, Methods of Geometry also features:

• Ample exercises designed to promote effective problem-solving strategies
• Insight into novel uses of Euclidean geometry
• More than 300 figures accompanying definitions and proofs
• A comprehensive and annotated bibliography
• Appendices reviewing vector and matrix algebra, least upper bound principle, and equivalence relations

Review Quotes

"It should be emphasized that the book is filled with historicaland bibliographic notes, good motivations and a number ofexercises. Altogether, it can be regarded as a good approach to aspecial part of geometry on an intermediate level." (ZentralblattMath, Volume 955, No 5, 2001)

"Fine interweaving of history, foundations, and geometry.... Usefulas a source of exercises." (American Mathematical Monthly, November2001)

About the Author

JAMES T. SMITH, PhD, is Professor of Mathematics at San Francisco State University.