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In this book the classical Greek construction problems are explored in a didactical, enquiry based fashion using Interactive Geometry Software (IGS). The book traces the history of these problems, stating them in modern terminology. By focusing on constructions and the use of IGS the reader is confronted with the same problems that ancient mathematicians once faced. The reader can step into the footsteps of Euclid, Viète and Cusanus amongst others and then by experimenting and discovering geometric relationships far exceed their accomplishments. Exploring these problems with the neusis-method lets him discover a class of interesting curves.
By experimenting he will gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics is created. More than 100 exercises guide him through methods which were developed to try and solve the problems. The exercises are at the level of undergraduate students and only require knowledge of elementary Euclidean geometry and pre-calculus algebra. It is especially well-suited for those students who are thinking of becoming a mathematics teacher and for mathematics teachers.
List of contents
1 Introduction.- 2 The Genesis of Geometry.- 3 Straightedge and compass constructions.- 4 The Delian Problem.- 5 Trisecting an angle.- 6 Squaring the circle.- 7 Constructible numbers.- 8 The Cinderella of regular polygons.- Afterthoughts.- Solutions.- Index.
Summary
In this book the classical Greek construction problems are explored in a didactical, enquiry based fashion using Interactive Geometry Software (IGS). The book traces the history of these problems, stating them in modern terminology. By focusing on constructions and the use of IGS the reader is confronted with the same problems that ancient mathematicians once faced. The reader can step into the footsteps of Euclid, Viète and Cusanus amongst others and then by experimenting and discovering geometric relationships far exceed their accomplishments. Exploring these problems with the neusis-method lets him discover a class of interesting curves.
By experimenting he will gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics is created. More than 100 exercises guide him through methods which were developed to try and solve the problems. The exercises are at the level of undergraduate students and only require knowledge of elementary Euclidean geometry and pre-calculus algebra. It is especially well-suited for those students who are thinking of becoming a mathematics teacher and for mathematics teachers.
Report
"This book provides historical sketches to accompany the problems. This places the activity in context, and will motivate some students to look more closely at the culture and history of mathematics. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to review this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in this area of mathematics. ... The book is clearly written while remaining brief and is excellently illustrated. The exercises are interesting and in my view well-judged for undergraduate students." (Chris Sangwin, International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, Vol. 4, 2018)
