The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, Seventh Edition, is written for the one- or two-semester math history course taken by juniors or seniors, and covers the history behind the topics typically covered in an undergraduate math curriculum or in elementary schools or high schools. Elegantly written in David Burtons imitable prose, this classic text provides rich historical context to the mathematics that undergrad math and math education majors encounter every day. Burton illuminates the people, stories, and social context behind mathematics greatest historical advances while maintaining appropriate focus on the mathematical concepts themselves. Its wealth of information, mathematical and historical accuracy, and renowned presentation make The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, Seventh Edition a valuable resource that teachers and students will want as part of a permanent library.

The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, 7e by David M. Burton

Preface

1Early Number Systems and Symbols

1.1

Primitive Counting

A Sense of Number

Notches as Tally Marks

The Peruvian Quipus: Knots as Numbers

1.2

Number Recording of the Egyptians and Greeks

The History of Herodotus

Hieroglyphic Representation of Numbers

Egyptian Hieratic Numeration

The Greek Alphabetic Numeral System

1.3

Number Recording of the Babylonians

Babylonian Cuneiform Script

Deciphering Cuneiform: Grotefend and Rawlinson

The Babylonian Positional Number System

Writing in Ancient China

2 Mathematics in Early Civilizations

2.1

The Rhind Papyrus

Egyptian Mathematical Papyri

A Key to Deciphering: The Rosetta Stone

2.2

Egyptian Arithmetic

Early Egyptian Multiplication

The Unit Fraction Table

Representing Rational Numbers

2.3

Four Problems from the Rhind PaplĂ,