Chapter Zero
by Carol Schumacher · first published 1995
71% recommend29% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Starts from basic set and logic concepts and builds toward proofs, bijections and induction, so it suits beginners preparing for abstract math or readers who want to fill gaps left by school.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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I do not know if it is exactly what you want, but Chapter Zero ( http://www.amazon.com/Chapter-Zero-Fundamental-Abstract-Math... )comes close. It talks about a lot of the foundational mathematics that and symbolism that is often never taught to non-math majors,…
on “How To Read Mathematics” ↗Here's my list: Basic 1. Chapter Zero (Carol Schumacher) 2. Naive Set Theory (Paul Halmos) Linear Algebra 1. Finite-Dimensional Vector Space (Paul Halmos) 2. Linear Algebra Done Right (Steven Axler) Real Analysis 1. Real Mathematical…
on “Ask HN: Good Reading/Immersion in Mathematics” ↗…picking up an intro to proofs type book like [1]. The reviews are mixed but I would take that with a grain of salt as I suspect many of them were written by bitter students. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Chapter-Zero-Fundamental-Abstract-Mat...
on “Why won’t anyone teach me math?” ↗I've personally read An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning: Numbers, Sets and Functions Paperback by Peter Eccles and Chapter Zero by Carol Schumacher and would recommend them both. Sadly, this is not an easy thing to learn and requires a lot of work and most importantly discipline. You mustn't let yourself be at all complacent.…
on “Ask HN: What is the best way to learn proof based math without a teacher?” ↗…already mentioned consider Numeracy. It was influential for me when I was an undergraduate and touches on numerous topics. Also, if you want to start at the beginniner, there is a very good book called Chapter Zero that starts with nothing and is easily accessible to anyone willing to study it.
on “Ask HN: Best Mathematics book for complete noobie?” ↗I would second that, and add a recommendation for "Chapter Zero" which is a book targetted at the high school/early college level which provides an introduction to those fundamentals that are often skipped in the rush towards calculus.
on “Dismantling the calculus pyramid” ↗…to learn math, most in the form of books (some of which have digital versions). Personally, I find it best to find a subtopic that interests me and dive in. Though I will say that I would recommend "Chapter Zero" to most people wanting to get back into math after a long break.
on “Math For Programmers ” ↗2 books that are worthwhile: "A mathematical bridge" (an introduction to the lie of the land in higher math) and "Chapter Zero" (a review of material not taught in school, but wich is so basic that most textbooksjust assume you know, e.g. bijections and proof by induction)
on “Ask HN: Books or courses to understand college level mathematics?” ↗This Chapter Zero, http://www.amazon.com/Chapter-Zero-Fundamental-Abstract-Math... right? I have not read this particular book, but in general most students who desire to study math should take a look at a "transitions…
on “Dismantling the calculus pyramid” ↗I just picked this up from the library and I'm excited to get into it. Chapters on the perceived "patriotism" of Lua and much else. You can read "Chapter Zero" here -- http://codingplaces.net/en/chapter0
on “"Coding Places" -- An Ethnographic Study of Software Development in Brazil ” ↗