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Virtual mathematics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2016

Peter Cochrane
Peter Cochrane*
Affiliation:
BT Research Laboratories, Martlesham Heath. Ipswich IPS 7RE
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Extract

The single biggest problem we face is that of visualisation

Richard P. Feynman, Los Alamos 1945

Given the critical dependence of our civilisation on mathematics, it is paradoxical that it lacks any general acclaim or popularity, and usually invokes fear and mysticism. Perhaps this is because, for most of us, the process of acquiring mathematical skills is somewhat protracted and painful. It is often perceived as a nightmare topic, which engenders a defence mechanism of open ignorance that is often lauded. In truth, most people can become reasonably competent. However, the time and effort needed to acquire the formal rigour for even a modest capability is often seen as excessive by modern standards.

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Type
Articles
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 80 , Issue 488 , July 1996, pp. 267 - 278
Copyright
Copyright © The Mathematical Association 1996

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