Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam - Paperback

by J. L. Berggren (Author)

Preface.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Islamic Arithmetic.- 3. Geometrical Constructions in the Islamic World.- 4. Algebra in Islam.- 5. Trigonometry in the Islamic World.- 6. Spherics in the Islamic World.- Index.

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This book presents an account of selected topics from key mathematical works of medieval Islam, based on the Arabic texts themselves. Many of these works had a great influence on mathematics in Western Europe. Topics covered in the first edition include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and numerical approximation; this second edition adds number theory and combinatorics. Additionally, the author has included selections from the western regions of medieval Islam--both North Africa and Spain. The author puts the works into their historical context and includes numerous examples of how mathematics interacted with Islamic society.