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This book teaches the art of writing mathematics, an essential -and difficult- skill for any mathematics student.
The book begins with an informal introduction on basic writing principles and a review of the essential dictionary for mathematics. Writing techniques are developed gradually, from the small to the large: words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, to end with short compositions. These may represent the introduction of a concept, the abstract of a presentation or the proof of a theorem. Along the way the student will learn how to establish a coherent notation, mix words and symbols effectively, write neat formulae, and structure a definition.
Some elements of logic and all common methods of proofs are featured, including various versions of induction and existence proofs. The book concludes with advice on specific aspects of thesis writing (choosing of a title, composing an abstract, compiling a bibliography) illustrated by large number of real-life examples. Many exercises are included; over 150 of them have complete solutions, to facilitate self-study.
Mathematical Writing will be of interest to all mathematics students who want to raise the quality of their coursework, reports, exams, and dissertations.
List of contents
Some writing tips.- Essential dictionary I.- Essential dictionary II.- Mathematical sentences.- Describing functions.- Writing well.- Forms of argument.- Induction.- Existence and definitions.- Writing a thesis.
About the author
Franco Vivaldi is a mathematician at the University of London; his research lies at the interface between dynamical systems and number theory.
Summary
This book teaches the art of writing mathematics, an essential -and difficult- skill for any mathematics student.
