Mythematics : solving the Twelve Labors of Hercules / Michael Huber.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Huber, Michael R., 1960-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Problem solving.

Heracles (Greek mythology).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (206 pages)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Summary:

How might Hercules, the most famous of the Greek heroes, have used mathematics to complete his astonishing Twelve Labors? From conquering the Nemean Lion and cleaning out the Augean Stables, to capturing the Erymanthean Boar and entering the Underworld to defeat the three-headed dog Cerberus, Hercules and his legend are the inspiration for this book of fun and original math puzzles. While Hercules relied on superhuman strength to accomplish the Twelve Labors, Mythematics shows how math could have helped during his quest. How does Hercules defeat the Lernean Hydra and stop its heads from multiplying? Can Hercules clean the Augean Stables in a day? What is the probability that the Cretan Bull will attack the citizens of Marathon? How does Hercules deal with the terrifying Kraken? Michael Huber's inventive math problems are accompanied by short descriptions of the Twelve Labors, taken from the writings of Apollodorus, who chronicled the life of Hercules two thousand years ago. Tasks are approached from a mathematical modeling viewpoint, requiring varying levels of knowledge, from basic logic and geometry to differential and integral calculus. Mythematics provides helpful hints and complete solutions, and the appendixes include a brief history of the Hercules tale, a review of mathematics and equations, and a guide to the various disciplines of math used throughout the book. An engaging combination of ancient mythology and modern mathematics, Mythematics will enlighten and delight mathematics and classics enthusiasts alike.

Contents:

The first Labor : the Nemean Lion

The second Labor : the Lernean Hydra

The third Labor : the Hind of Ceryneia

The fourth Labor : the Erymanthian Boar

The fifth Labor : the Augean Stables

The sixth Labor : the Stymphalian Birds

The seventh Labor : the Cretan Bull

The eighth Labor : the Horses of Diomedes

The ninth Labor : the Belt of Hippolyte

The tenth Labor : Geryon's Cattle

The eleventh Labor : the Apples of the Hesperides

The twelfth Labor : Cerberus

Appendix A. The Labors and subject areas of mathematics

Appendix B. Hercules before the Labors

Appendix C. The authors of the Hercules myth

Appendix D. The Laplace Transform

Appendix E. solution to the sudoku puzzles.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-169) and index.

ISBN:

9786612458569

9781282458567

1282458566

9781400831906

1400831903

OCLC:

630535190