Introduction to 'Real' Math (i.e. number theory etc,)

[maverick_starstrider]

Hi,

I'm basically looking for a book that is very approachable and written for someone who knows very little about math but that goes through actual math, i.e. starts with set theory, then constructs the natural numbers, the integers, yada yada and strongly emphasizes how math is constructed from axiom ->proof -> theorem and so on. It'd be great if it was more layed back and written in a conversational tone and walks a person through such things.

[CompuChip]

Aren't books that are "layed back and written in a conversational tone" usually mutually exclusive to books that "strongly emphasize how math is constructed from axiom -> proof -> theorem and so on" (although I suspect you meant axiom -> theorem -> proof)?

[maverick_starstrider]

I hope not. I've seen books that are pretty close, like 'concepts in modern mathematics' by ian stewart. You can emphasize the importance of proofs and construction without be dense, pedantic and unapproachable.

[dx]

Try 'Foundations of Mathematics' by Stewart and Tall.

[thrill3rnit3]

Hi,

I'm basically looking for a book that is very approachable and written for someone who knows very little about math but that goes through actual math, i.e. starts with set theory, then constructs the natural numbers, the integers, yada yada and strongly emphasizes how math is constructed from axiom ->proof -> theorem and so on. It'd be great if it was more layed back and written in a conversational tone and walks a person through such things.

learn Discrete Mathematics, I think that fits perfectly with what you described

[maverick_starstrider]

Yes, I'm looking for a number theory book (which is part of discrete math) that is approachable to a layman. Basically I'd like a book to recommend for someone who maybe have some high school math and who in general distrusts math and thinks it's just a bunch of "formulas" that are made up, or determined experimentally or something and I'd like them to see how math is a constuction of logic built up from axioms and i'd like a book that would actually walk them through the basics of number theory.

[maverick_starstrider]

I'd write something myself but you'd think there'd be plenty of books that already do something like this.

[Pinu7]

Probably the best math resource on the internet is the WILLIAM CHEN lecture notes Click here (http://www.maths.mq.edu.au/~wchen/ln.html)

From here, you can go from set/number theory to more advanced topics like complex analysis. Fairly rigorous.

[Stroodle]

Probably the best math resource on the internet is the WILLIAM CHEN lecture notes Click here (http://www.maths.mq.edu.au/~wchen/ln.html)

From here, you can go from set/number theory to more advanced topics like complex analysis. Fairly rigorous.

Wow. That's awesome