Barbeau, Edward J.
Mathematical, Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam - USA Mathematical Association of America 2000 - xvi,167 p. - Spectrum Series .
Through hard experience mathematicians have learned to subject even the most 'evident' assertions to rigorous scrutiny, as intuition and facile reasoning can often be misleading. However, errors can slip past the most watchful eye, they are often subtle and difficult to detect; but when found they can teach us a lot and can present a real challenge to straighten out. This book collects together a mass of such errors, drawn from the work of students, textbooks, and the media, as well as from professional mathematicians themselves. Each of these items is carefully analysed and the source of the error is exposed. All serious students of mathematics will find this book both enlightening and entertaining
0883855291
Mathematical Fallacies
Flaws
Flimflam
Calculus: integration and differential equations
51 / BRE
Mathematical, Fallacies, Flaws, and Flimflam - USA Mathematical Association of America 2000 - xvi,167 p. - Spectrum Series .
Through hard experience mathematicians have learned to subject even the most 'evident' assertions to rigorous scrutiny, as intuition and facile reasoning can often be misleading. However, errors can slip past the most watchful eye, they are often subtle and difficult to detect; but when found they can teach us a lot and can present a real challenge to straighten out. This book collects together a mass of such errors, drawn from the work of students, textbooks, and the media, as well as from professional mathematicians themselves. Each of these items is carefully analysed and the source of the error is exposed. All serious students of mathematics will find this book both enlightening and entertaining
0883855291
Mathematical Fallacies
Flaws
Flimflam
Calculus: integration and differential equations
51 / BRE