Why Is Berkinski's Approach to Explaining Mathematical Concepts Confusing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges participants face in understanding Berkinski's book "The Tour of the Calculus." Participants express confusion regarding the author's language and concepts, seeking assistance with specific aspects of the text and the related assignment questions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the author's language, describing it as too profound.
  • Another participant mentions the need for more specific information about which parts of the book are confusing.
  • A participant shares a negative opinion about the book, suggesting the author comes across as pompous.
  • Suggestions are made for alternative resources, such as "Calculus the Easy Way," which is described as more accessible.
  • Several assignment questions are presented, focusing on themes such as the development of mathematics, the use of metaphors, the significance of Zeno's Paradox, and historical mathematical inventions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the confusion surrounding Berkinski's writing style, but there is no consensus on the book's overall quality or effectiveness. Multiple views on alternative resources and approaches to the assignment are present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific examples from the text that contribute to their confusion, and there are unresolved questions regarding the interpretation of metaphors and historical context in the assignment prompts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students struggling with complex mathematical texts, particularly those assigned to read Berkinski's work or similar materials.

cove111
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i have to do a report of this book but it is soo confusing! I am lost what the author is trying to say. he is using to profound of a language for me to understand what he is saying? can anyone help me out please? thank you!
 
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its actually called "the tour of the calculus" sorry
 
Not everyone has this book, so you'll need to give more information about which parts are confusing you.
 
I read that book when I was in high school. I agree that the author seems rather pompous. It isn't a very good book in my opinion...
 
can you help me out please? my aim is avf073190
 
cove111, please post the questions and instructions for the assignment you PM'd me here.
 
Probably the best calculus book I've read is Calculus the Easy Way. They explain things in the dummiest fashion possible, which is exactly the way things ought to be taught.

You could probably just skim that book and use it to weasel your other book report together.
 
there are 4 questions from i can choose.

1) discuess the characteristics and roles of the key players in devolping mathematics from geometry and counting to irrational numers and coninuity

2) choose 3-5 metaphors that stand out the most in your mind from the reading and interprety their mathematical meanings

3) why doe you think Berkinski begins the book with Zeno'a Paradoz? What signnificance does it have and how does it relate to the bigger pictre?

4) Berinkski give many example of mathematical inventions througout history. Disuss there invetntions particularly in light of the fact that we now at the pre cal and calulus level, take many of them for granted
 

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