Wonders of Numbers

Wonders of Numbers PDF Author: Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780195348002
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
Who were the five strangest mathematicians in history? What are the ten most interesting numbers? Jam-packed with thought-provoking mathematical mysteries, puzzles, and games, Wonders of Numbers will enchant even the most left-brained of readers. Hosted by the quirky Dr. Googol--who resides on a remote island and occasionally collaborates with Clifford Pickover--Wonders of Numbers focuses on creativity and the delight of discovery. Here is a potpourri of common and unusual number theory problems of varying difficulty--each presented in brief chapters that convey to readers the essence of the problem rather than its extraneous history. Peppered throughout with illustrations that clarify the problems, Wonders of Numbers also includes fascinating "math gossip." How would we use numbers to communicate with aliens? Check out Chapter 30. Did you know that there is a Numerical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? You'll find it in Chapter 45. From the beautiful formula of India's most famous mathematician to the Leviathan number so big it makes a trillion look small, Dr. Googol's witty and straightforward approach to numbers will entice students, educators, and scientists alike to pick up a pencil and work a problem.

Wonders of Numbers

Wonders of Numbers PDF Author: Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780195348002
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 420

Get Book

Book Description
Who were the five strangest mathematicians in history? What are the ten most interesting numbers? Jam-packed with thought-provoking mathematical mysteries, puzzles, and games, Wonders of Numbers will enchant even the most left-brained of readers. Hosted by the quirky Dr. Googol--who resides on a remote island and occasionally collaborates with Clifford Pickover--Wonders of Numbers focuses on creativity and the delight of discovery. Here is a potpourri of common and unusual number theory problems of varying difficulty--each presented in brief chapters that convey to readers the essence of the problem rather than its extraneous history. Peppered throughout with illustrations that clarify the problems, Wonders of Numbers also includes fascinating "math gossip." How would we use numbers to communicate with aliens? Check out Chapter 30. Did you know that there is a Numerical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? You'll find it in Chapter 45. From the beautiful formula of India's most famous mathematician to the Leviathan number so big it makes a trillion look small, Dr. Googol's witty and straightforward approach to numbers will entice students, educators, and scientists alike to pick up a pencil and work a problem.

Mathematical Scandals

Mathematical Scandals PDF Author: Theoni Pappas
Publisher: Wide World Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description
Mathematics can be a passionate subject, and this text introduces the human sides and foibles of mathematics and mathematicians. Each scandal is introduced by a vignette which, although fictional, follows factual historical accounts.

Mathematical Apocrypha: Stories and Anecdotes of Mathematicians and the Mathematical

Mathematical Apocrypha: Stories and Anecdotes of Mathematicians and the Mathematical PDF Author: Steven G. Krantz
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
ISBN: 1470457385
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description


Mathematical Reasoning

Mathematical Reasoning PDF Author: Raymond Nickerson
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1136945393
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 597

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Book Description
The development of mathematical competence -- both by humans as a species over millennia and by individuals over their lifetimes -- is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. This book explores when and why the rudiments of mathematical capability first appeared among human beings, what its fundamental concepts are, and how and why it has grown into the richly branching complex of specialties that it is today. It discusses whether the ‘truths’ of mathematics are discoveries or inventions, and what prompts the emergence of concepts that appear to be descriptive of nothing in human experience. Also covered is the role of esthetics in mathematics: What exactly are mathematicians seeing when they describe a mathematical entity as ‘beautiful’? There is discussion of whether mathematical disability is distinguishable from a general cognitive deficit and whether the potential for mathematical reasoning is best developed through instruction. This volume is unique in the vast range of psychological questions it covers, as revealed in the work habits and products of numerous mathematicians. It provides fascinating reading for researchers and students with an interest in cognition in general and mathematical cognition in particular. Instructors of mathematics will also find the book’s insights illuminating.

Math and Nonfiction

Math and Nonfiction PDF Author: Jennifer M. Bay-Williams
Publisher: Math Solutions
ISBN: 0941355861
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
"Provides lessons that link mathematics with nonfiction. Topics include collecting and analyzing data; using proportional reasoning; and exploring linear and exponential growth, probability, and relationships between two- and three-dimensional objects, pi, and more. Each lesson includes an overview of the nonfiction title, a discussion of the lesson's mathematical focus, a description of the activity, and samples of student work"--Provided by publisher.

Mathematics in Society and History

Mathematics in Society and History PDF Author: S. Restivo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401129444
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 215

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Book Description
This is the first book by a sociologist devoted exclusively to a general sociology of mathematics. The author provides examples of different ways of thinking about mathematics sociologically. The survey of mathematical traditions covers ancient China, the Arabic-Islamic world, India, and Europe. Following the leads of classical social theorists such as Emile Durkheim, Restivo develops the idea that mathematical concepts and ideas are collective representations, and that it is mathematical communities that create mathematics, not individual mathematicians. The implications of the sociology of mathematics, and especially of pure mathematics, for a sociology of mind are also explored. In general, the author's objective is to explore, conjecture, suggest, and stimulate in order to introduce the sociological perspective on mathematics, and to broaden and deepen the still narrow, shallow path that today carries the sociology of mathematics. This book will interest specialists in the philosophy, history, and sociology of mathematics, persons interested in mathematics education, students of science and society, and people interested in current developments in the social and cultural analysis of science and mathematics.

Mathematical Apocrypha Redux: More Stories and Anecdotes of Mathematicians and the Mathematical

Mathematical Apocrypha Redux: More Stories and Anecdotes of Mathematicians and the Mathematical PDF Author: Steven G. Krantz
Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.
ISBN: 1470451727
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 294

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Book Description
A companion to Mathematical Apocrypha (published in 2002) this second volume of anecdotes, stories, quips, and ruminations about mathematics and mathematicians is sure to please. It differs from other books of its type in that many of the stories are from the twentieth century and many about currently living mathematicians. A number of the best stories come from the author's first-hand experience. The writing is lively, engaging, and informative. There are stories the reader may wish to share with students and colleagues, friends, and relatives. The purpose of the book is to explore and to celebrate the many facets of mathematical life. The stories reveal mathematicians as intense, human, and sympathetic. They should resonate with readers everywhere. This book will appeal to students from high school through graduate school, to faculty and mathematical scientists of all stripes, and also to physicists, engineer, and anyone interested in mathematics.

The American Mathematical Monthly

The American Mathematical Monthly PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic journals
Languages : en
Pages : 614

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Book Description
Includes section "Recent publications."

A Passion for Mathematics

A Passion for Mathematics PDF Author: Clifford A. Pickover
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1118046072
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 492

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Book Description
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. 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 Mathematics will feed readers’ fascination while giving them problem-solving skills a great workout!

Great Feuds in Mathematics

Great Feuds in Mathematics PDF Author: Hal Hellman
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1118040112
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
Praise for Hal Hellman Great Feuds in Mathematics "Those who think that mathematicians are cold, mechanical proving machines will do well to read Hellman's book on conflicts in mathematics. The main characters are as excitable and touchy as the next man. But Hellman's stories also show how scientific fights bring out sharper formulations and better arguments." -Professor Dirk van Dalen, Philosophy Department, Utrecht University Great Feuds in Technology "There's nothing like a good feud to grab your attention. And when it comes to describing the battle, Hal Hellman is a master." -New Scientist Great Feuds in Science "Unusual insight into the development of science . . . I was excited by this book and enthusiastically recommend it to general as well as scientific audiences." -American Scientist "Hellman has assembled a series of entertaining tales . . . many fine examples of heady invective without parallel in our time." -Nature Great Feuds in Medicine "This engaging book documents [the] reactions in ten of the most heated controversies and rivalries in medical history. . . . The disputes detailed are . . . fascinating. . . . It is delicious stuff here." -The New York Times "Stimulating." -Journal of the American Medical Association