Philosophy and Fun of Algebra
by Mary Everest Boole
Philosophy and Fun of Algebra is meant for young readers as an introduction to the basics of algebra and logic. Her style is humorous, easy to read, and conversational.
Source: Boole, M. E. (1909). Philosophy and Fun of Algebra.London, England:.
- "Basil and Margaret"
- The author introduces her work with a short fable.
- Chapter 1: "From Arithmetic to Algebra"
- The journey from understanding arithmetic and the laws of logos to understanding algebra is explained, in a way suitable for children.
- Chapter 2: "The Making of Algebras"
- The author explains that anything can be algebra, using the example of teaching a baby to think algebraically.
- Chapter 3: "Simultaneous Problems"
- An explanation that algebra involves educated hypotheses in order to work towards understanding the solutions to problems.
- Chapter 4: "Partial Solutions and the Provisional Elimination of Elements of Complexity"
- The problems of limiting elements and still leaving minds open to all possibilites.
- Chapter 5: "Mathematical Certainty and Reductio ad Absurdum"
- The author explains to benefit of embracing reductio ad absurdum.
- Chapter 6: "The First Hebrew Algebra"
- Chapter 7: "How to Choose Our Hypothesis"
- Chapter 8: "The Limits of the Teacher's Function"
- Chapter 9: "The Use of Sewing Cards"
- Chapter 10: "The Story of a Working Hypothesis"
- Chapter 11: "Macbeth's Mistake"
- Chapter 12: "Jacob's Ladder"
- Chapter 13: "The Great 'x' of the World"
- Chapter 14: "Go to My Class-Room"
- Chapter 15: "The Square Root of Minus One"
- The author shows the risk in forgetting to allow for what we do not know.
- Chapter 16: "Infinity"
- Chapter 17: "From Bondage to Freedom"
- Chapter 18: Appendix
- Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level: 6.0
- Word Count: 14,395
- Year Published: 1909
- Country of Origin: England
- Language: English
- Genre: Informational
- Keywords: math history, mathematics
- * Flesch-Kincaid used to determine reading level.