Synopses & Reviews
A smorgasbord of math puzzles, factoids, quotations, trivia, formulas, and much more.
Are you fascinated by numbers and want to learn more? Does the vast world of math problems that humans have solved (and the ones we have yet to begin to comprehend) give you goose bumps? If so, this is the book for you. A Passion for Mathematics is an educational, entertaining trip through the curiosities of the math world, blending an eclectic mix of history, biography, philosophy, number theory, geometry, probability, huge numbers, and mind-bending problems into a delightfully compelling collection that is sure to please math buffs, students, and experienced mathematicians alike.
In each chapter, Clifford Pickover provides factoids, anecdotes, definitions, quotations, and captivating challenges that range from fun, quirky puzzles to insanely difficult problems. You'll encounter mad mathematicians, strange number sequences, obstinate numbers, curious constants, magic squares, fractal geese, monkeys typing Hamlet, infinity, and much, much more.
If you love all things mathematical, A Passion for Mathematics will feed your fascination while giving your problem-solving skills a great workout!
Pickover has published nearly a book a year in which he stretches the limits of computers, art, and thought.
Review
""There is really only good advise: Read it!"" (""Zentralblatt MATH"", 1112-7)
Synopsis
A singular collection of fascinating information for those who share a love of all things mathematical
A Passion for Mathematics is a delightful, dizzying, and entertaining trip that includes an eclectic mix of history, biography, definitions, number theory, and mind-bending problems. Readers will encounter mad mathematicians, religious mathematicians, strange number sequences, obstinate numbers, curious constants, zany math problems, classic recreational puzzles, magic squares, fractal geese, monkeys typing Hamlet, infinity, and much, much more!
Synopsis
A Passion for Mathematicsis an educational, entertaining trip through the curiosities of the math world, blending an eclectic mix of history, biography, philosophy, number theory, geometry, probability, huge numbers, and mind-bending problems into a delightfully compelling collection that is sure to please math buffs, students, and experienced mathematicians alike. In each chapter, Clifford Pickover provides factoids, anecdotes, definitions, quotations, and captivating challenges that range from fun, quirky puzzles to insanely difficult problems. Readers will encounter mad mathematicians, strange number sequences, obstinate numbers, curious constants, magic squares, fractal geese, monkeys typing Hamlet, infinity, and much, much more. A Passion for Mathematicswill feed readers’ fascination while giving them problem-solving skills a great workout!
About the Author
CLIFFORD A. PICKOVER received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is a prolific author of books and articles, including Calculus and Pizza: A Cookbook for the Hungry Mind; Black Holes: A Traveler's Guide; and Keys to Infinity, all from Wiley. His Web site, Pickover.com, has received millions of visits.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
1. Numbers, History, Society, and People.
2. Cool Numbers.
3. Algebra, Percentages, Weird Puzzles, and Marvelous Mathematical Manipulations.
4. Geometry, Games, and Beyond.
5. Probability: Take Your Chances.
6. Big Numbers and Infinity.
7. Mathematics and Beauty.
Answers.
References.
Index.