Book Details

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Logical thinking, the analysis of complex relationships, the recognition of und- lying simple structures which are common to a multitude of problems — these are the skills which are needed to do mathematics, and their development is the main goal of mathematics education. Of course, these skills cannot be learned ‘in a vacuum’. Only a continuous struggle with concrete problems and a striving for deep understanding leads to success. A good measure of abstraction is needed to allow one to concentrate on the essential, without being distracted by appearances and irrelevancies. The present book strives for clarity and transparency. Right from the beg- ning, it requires from the reader a willingness to deal with abstract concepts, as well as a considerable measure of self-initiative. For these e?orts, the reader will be richly rewarded in his or her mathematical thinking abilities, and will possess the foundation needed for a deeper penetration into mathematics and its applications.