Paradoxes and Sophisms in Calculus

In the study of mathematics, surprising and counter-intuitive examples can offer a fascinating insight into the development of the subject, and inspire a learner's passion for discovery. With a carefully-chosen selection of so-called paradoxes and sophisms, this book offers a delightful supplementary resource to enhance the study of single variable calculus. By paradox, the authors mean an unexpected statement that looks invalid, but is in fact true. The word sophism describes intentionally invalid reasoning that looks formally correct, but, in fact, contains a subtle mistake or flaw. This collection of over fifty paradoxes and sophisms showcases the subtleties of calculus and leads students to contemplate the underlying concepts. Sophisms and paradoxes from the areas of functions, limits, derivatives, integrals, sequences, and series are explored, with full explanations provided for each example. The book is an ideal resource for those studying or teaching calculus at high school and university level.

• Will enhance any course on introductory calculus
• A useful reference for both students and instructors at high school and university level
• Showcases the subtleties of calculus, and motivates students to consider the underlying concepts