When in doubt, overdocument. You can use fotnotes and MLA or some similar format if you like. On the other hand I would be satisfied if you just used the method used in most math papers.
For example in the bibliography your might list our textbook by Eves as
[E] Introduction to the History of Mathematics 5th edition, Howard Eves, Saunders College Publishing Co.
Then in the body of your paper when you use an idea or quote from the Eves's book you can state that it is from his book or follow it with [E, p***], where p*** is the page the information can be found. This is quick, easy and gives credit where credit is due. Other books would be listed similarly where the initial (or initials of the authors' names) would be in the bracket. eg. A book byPratt and Whitney would be [PW]. While another book by Eves or someone named Edwards would have a numeral following the E, like [E2]. Websites and magazine articles or whatever would be handled similarly.
As I mentioned at the start of this note, when in doubt, give credit when credit is due. Recognizing another's insight as important to what you are discussing raises the standard of your paper.
We can take a few minutes to discuss this tomorrow in class if you like.
--CFW
