Geometry from Africa

Download or read book Geometry from Africa written by Paulus Gerdes and published by American Mathematical Soc.. This book was released on 1999-12-31 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book draws on geometric ideas from cultural activities from Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrates how they may be explored to develop mathematical reasoning from school level through to university standard. Paulus Gerdes provides a thoroughly illustrated and researched exploration of mathematical ideas, motifs and patterns. Many important mathematical points are brought to the fore, not via the formal ``theorem-proof'' method, but in a more schematic and diagrammatic manner. African artifacts, oral traditions, sand drawing and other forms of artwork with a geometric basis, all provide mathematical ideas for discussion in this unique book. Mathematicians and teachers of mathematics at all levels will be fascinated, as will anybody with an interest in African cultures.