Mathematics Textbooks

Elementary Abstract Algebra: Examples and Applications

Contributors: Hill and Thron

Publisher: Justin Hill and Chris Thron

License: CC BY-NC-SA

This book is not intended for budding mathematicians. It was created for a math program in which most of the students in upper-level math classes are planning to become secondary school teachers. For such students, conventional abstract algebra texts are practically incomprehensible, both in style and in content. Faced with this situation, we decided to create a book that our students could actually read for themselves. In this way we have been able to dedicate class time to problem-solving and personal interaction rather than rehashing the same material in lecture format.

(2 reviews)

A Cool Brisk Walk Through Discrete Mathematics

Contributor: Davies

Publisher: University of Mary Washington

License: CC BY-SA

A Cool, Brisk Walk Through Discrete Mathematics, an innovative and non-traditional approach to learning Discrete Math, is available for low cost from Blurb or via free download.

(3 reviews)

Introduction to Game Theory: a Discovery Approach

Contributor: Nordstrom

Publisher: Jennifer Firkins Nordstrom

License: CC BY-SA

Game theory is an excellent topic for a non-majors quantitative course as it develops mathematical models to understand human behavior in social, political, and economic settings. The variety of applications can appeal to a broad range of students. Additionally, students can learn mathematics through playing games, something many choose to do in their spare time! This text also includes an exploration of the ideas of game theory through the rich context of popular culture. It contains sections on applications of the concepts to popular culture. It suggests films, television shows, and novels with themes from game theory. The questions in each of these sections are intended to serve as essay prompts for writing assignments.

(4 reviews)

Multivariable Calculus

Contributor: Shimamoto

Publisher: Don Shimamoto

License: CC BY

This book covers the standard material for a one-semester course in multivariable calculus. The topics include curves, differentiability and partial derivatives, multiple integrals, vector fields, line and surface integrals, and the theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss. Roughly speaking the book is organized into three main parts corresponding to the type of function being studied: vector-valued functions of one variable, real-valued functions of many variables, and finally the general case of vector-valued functions of many variables. As is always the case, the most productive way for students to learn is by doing problems, and the book is written to get to the exercises as quickly as possible. The presentation is geared towards students who enjoy learning mathematics for its own sake. As a result, there is a priority placed on understanding why things are true and a recognition that, when details are sketched or omitted, that should be acknowledged. Otherwise the level of rigor is fairly normal. Matrices are introduced and used freely. Prior experience with linear algebra is helpful, but not required.

(1 review)

Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources

Contributor: Moore

Publisher: Iowa State University

License: CC BY-SA

This text is intended to support courses that bridge the divide between mathematics typically encountered in U.S. high school curricula and the practical problems that natural resource students might engage with in their disciplinary coursework and professional internships.

(1 review)

An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

Contributor: Moser

Publisher: The Trillia Group

License: CC BY

This book, which presupposes familiarity only with the most elementary concepts of arithmetic (divisibility properties, greatest common divisor, etc.), is an expanded version of a series of lectures for graduate students on elementary number theory. Topics include: Compositions and Partitions; Arithmetic Functions; Distribution of Primes; Irrational Numbers; Congruences; Diophantine Equations; Combinatorial Number Theory; and Geometry of Numbers. Three sections of problems (which include exercises as well as unsolved problems) complete the text.

(1 review)

Introduction to Financial Mathematics Concepts and Computational Methods

Contributor: Fahim

Publisher: Florida State University

License: CC BY-NC-SA

Introduction to Financial Mathematics: Concepts and Computational Methods serves as a primer in financial mathematics with a focus on conceptual understanding of models and problem solving. It includes the mathematical background needed for risk management, such as probability theory, optimization, and the like. The goal of the book is to expose the reader to a wide range of basic problems, some of which emphasize analytic ability, some requiring programming techniques and others focusing on statistical data analysis. In addition, it covers some areas which are outside the scope of mainstream financial mathematics textbooks. For example, it presents marginal account setting by the CCP and systemic risk, and a brief overview of the model risk. Inline exercises and examples are included to help students prepare for exams on this book.

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(0 reviews)

Statistical Thinking for the 21st Century

Contributor: Poldrack

Publisher: Russell Poldrack

License: CC BY-NC

Statistical thinking is a way of understanding a complex world by describing it in relatively simple terms that nonetheless capture essential aspects of its structure, and that also provide us some idea of how uncertain we are about our knowledge. The foundations of statistical thinking come primarily from mathematics and statistics, but also from computer science, psychology, and other fields of study.

(1 review)

Geometry with an Introduction to Cosmic Topology

Contributor: Hitchman

Publisher: Michael P. Hitchman

License: CC BY-SA

Motivated by questions in cosmology, the open-content text Geometry with an Introduction to Cosmic Topology uses Mobius transformations to develop hyperbolic, elliptic, and Euclidean geometry - three possibilities for the global geometry of the universe.

(1 review)

Mathematical Analysis I

Contributor: Zakon

Publisher: The Trillia Group

License: CC BY

This award-winning text carefully leads the student through the basic topics of Real Analysis. Topics include metric spaces, open and closed sets, convergent sequences, function limits and continuity, compact sets, sequences and series of functions, power series, differentiation and integration, Taylor's theorem, total variation, rectifiable arcs, and sufficient conditions of integrability. Well over 500 exercises (many with extensive hints) assist students through the material.

(1 review)