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Binding: HardcoverDewey Decimal Number: 512.7 EAN: 9780387979939 Edition: Corrected ISBN: 038797993X Label: Springer Manufacturer: Springer Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 311 Publication Date: March 16, 1995 Publisher: Springer Studio: Springer Editorial Review: Amazon.com Review: The Book of Numbers lets readers of all levels of mathematical sophistication (or lack thereof) understand the origins, patterns, and interrelationships of different numbers. Whether it is a visualization of the Catalan numbers or an explanation of how the Fibonacci numbers occur in nature, there is something in here to delight everyone. The diagrams and pictures, many of which are in color, make this book particularly appealing and fun. A few of the discussions may be confusing to those who are not adept mathematicians; those who are may be irked that certain facts are mentioned without an accompanying proof. Nonetheless, The Book of Numbers will succeed in infecting any reader with an enthusiasm for numbers. Product Description: In THE BOOK OF NUMBERS, two famous mathematicians fascinated by beautiful and intriguing number patterns share their insights and discoveries with each other and with readers. John Conway is the showman, master of mathematical games and flamboyant presentations; Richard Guy is the encyclopedist, always on top of problems waiting to be solved. Together they show us why patterns and properties of numbers have captivated mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike for centuries. THE BOOK OF NUMBERS features Conway and Guy's favorite stories about all the kinds of numbers any of us is likely to encounter, and many others besides. "Our aim," the authors write, "is to bring to the inquisitive reader. . .an explanation of the many ways the word 'number' is used." They explore patterns that emerge in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, describe these pattern' relevance both inside and outside mathematics, and introduce the strange worlds of complex, transcendental, and surreal numbers. This unique book brings together facts, pictures and stories about numbers in a way that no one but an extraordinarily talented pair of mathematician/writers could do. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - The Book of Pure EnjoymentI own a lot of books on Mathematics and Mathematical topics. This book truly is my favorite. The color illustrations, the other drawings and diagrams make the topics very understandable and tantalizing. The section on infinite and infinitesimal numbers alone, has inspired me to submit a paper on this subject to a Mathematics Journal. This book will cause anyone who is not already a Mathphile, to quikly become one. Take a look at the middle numbers in Pascals Triangle....with a little manipulation ... Read More Rating:  - Heavier than I thoughtI enjoyed reading this book very much. But I do not agree with the reviewers who say it does not require more than a highschool level in mathematics. I have an M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering, so I can safely say I have a good knowlegde of mathematics, but still there were parts I didn't completely understand. Maybe we don't have to understand it all at once, maybe this level is needed to keep it interesting. And interesting it was, right up to the last page. And after reading the ... Read More Rating: - A Fascination with NumbersThis is a marvelous book written by two very distinquished mathematicians with a knack for teaching and fascinating their readers. "The Book of Numbers" is a romantic text - Conway and Guy are truly in love with the subject and their passion is truly contagious. Enter, "The Book of Numbers" and plan on staying a while - not bceasue it is a difficult read but becasue you will have no desire to checkout. Truly enjoyable. L J Petrillo Rating: - Daughter of Jackson's Fans responds (Robert Jackson)I have met one of the authors, Dr. John Conway, at Princeton University. Dr. Conway was consulted by my Father, Robert Jackson, of Jackson's Difference Fans,(a 1937 Princeton alumnus -Chemical Engineering with Honors). Although I, myself, am not a math inclined individual, the explanations found in various sections of the book have been used in the history courses I teach on the middle and high school grade levels. They are designed for the beginner and the advanced math intrigued mind. Rating: - very nice, but wishing for a clean upThis is an 'almost done' type of book. I like the way the subject is handled. The pictures and the thoughts that go with them are really good food for thought. Still, when I read the text, I get the feeling that this book was rushed to press. One more review by the author could have helped. I get this feeling because the text does not always follow the illustrations. It neither does much to elaborate on them or to completely discuss what has been included. |
