Mathematics: Sound smarter without trying harder

The Very Lazy Intellectual

Mathematics

Sound smarter without trying harder

Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Avon, Massachusetts

Contents

Introduction

Algebra

Greek Influence and Later

Arithmetic

Babylonian Contributions

Calculus

Chaos Theory

Chinese Contributions

Egyptian Contributions

Geometry

Later Work

Branches of Geometry

Greek Contributions

Mathematics Through History

Incas

Mayans

Numbering System

Roman Influence

Set Theory

Trigonometry

Functions

Cheat Sheet for Mathematics

Also Available

Copyright Page

Introduction

If we were to look up the term lazy in a dictionary, we might expect to find some unflattering connotations. Let’s skip over such definitions as adverse or resistant to work, slothful, and sluggish, and adopt a more positive, charitable perspective. If instead we consider lazy as economical or avoiding waste, we get a much better picture of the idea behind The Very Lazy Intellectual series.

This series of books is a set of short, economical references full of the fundamental knowledge you need to know to sound as if you really know something about a particular academic subject. The Very Lazy Intellectual: Mathematics lays out the indispensable facts, crucial high points, and fascinating elements of mathematics to build your knowledge foundation.

Mathematics is the science of structure, order, and relation, and concerns number, quantity, shape, and space. Mathematics involves quantitative calculation and logical reasoning. Its origins stem from the practical needs of commerce, agriculture, and industry, but since the seventeenth century it has been essential to the practice of physical sciences and technology.

Whether you want to refresh your memory of a long-since forgotten course, or merely wish to be able to say something intelligent about chaos theory without having to put in a great deal of study, this book will help. Enjoy the low-effort scholarship of The Very Lazy Intellectual: Mathematics.

If you’d like to learn more about mathematics, check out The Lazy Intellectual, available in print (978-1-4405-0456-3) and eBook (978-1-4405-0888-2) formats.

Algebra

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols to represent quantities and involves methods