Reviews (2)

Entertaining but Not for people looking for the real math...
Not enough in-depth detail but entertaining writing by Ian Stewart. Give good introduction to many field of maths....

suitable for students in grade 10-12 BUT NOT FOR ME
The content in this book is suitable only for beginners. If u think that u are quite familiar with recreational mathematic, this book is quite tedious and have no new topic. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

New Ideas for the Math Hobbyist
The previous critics seem to be a little harsh. What makes a popular math book good is to be everything a textbook is not. That is, it should show lots of examples of what math can be used FOR, with little emphasis on pedantic matters (such as rationalizing the denominator). This book fits the bill. It has examples that people would like to USE, such as figuring their loan payments and predicting how tall their child will grow. It also shows some interesting new connections, showing how the gravitaional formula can be used to predict how many phone calls occur between cities. I think that most people who are curious about if there is more to math than what they learned in school, will enjoy this book.

I find nothing imponderable about everyday problems here.
I was going to buy this book for my son majoring in math, but the topics are either too mundane or not addressed in a useful way. I must agree with reviewer #1 and hope that a revision is corrected and improved. How about addressing how pi was incorported in pyramid building when the Egyptians did not know about it?

Flawed, awkward exposition of attractive array of mathematic
Author presents a novel selection from mathematics and physics, with many linked to scientific calculator experimentation, from which the appropriately equipped reader may learn. Carbon dating, factorial growth, pyramid schemes, and solar system mechanics are among the areas discussed, all in a lively fashion. Though some topics are advanced, many are presented in a suitably elementary fashion. Unfortunately, the book is marred by numerous serious errors, of which a striking example is the following miscasting of Goldbach's famous conjecture: "no one has ever found a number greater than 2 that could not be expressed as the sum of two prime numbers". (Try 11.) Others, such as the treatment of factorials, evidence faulty logic, a tin ear, misuse of common technical terms, and weak pedagogy. Readers encountering the material for the first time may be stimulated, but will also be misled and, likely, confused. A new printing is said to be in the works, so interested readers are advised to await its appearance before considering a purchase. ... Read more

Book Description

challenging story teasers for the jaded. More difficult algebraically than typical puzzles, and ideal for confirmed puzzle fanatic, but appendices help less experienced. Step-by-step solutions to all 100 puzzles. Also 40 new alphametics—solvable by simple arithmetic and logical reasoning—with answers, and two sample solutions.
... Read more

Book Description

"[This volume] should find a place in large public libraries, high schools with advanced math programs, and especially in academic libraries catering to mathematically oriented faculty and students." Reference Books Bulletin ... Read more

Book Description

Underwood Dudley is well known for his collection of books on mathematical cranks.Here he offers yet another - angle trisectors. It is impossible to trisect angles with straightedge and compass alone, but many people try and think they have succeeded. This book is about angle trisections and the people who attempt them. According to Dudley: 'Hardly any mathematical training is necessary to read this book. There is a little trigonometry here and there, but it may be safely skipped. There are hardly any equations. There are no exercises and there will be no final examination. The worst victim of mathematics anxiety can read this book with profit and dry palms. It is quite suitable to give as a present.' ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Extreme examples of mathematical stubborness and illiteracy
...
Lively, entertaining, frustrating and sometimes a majordowner, this book should be read by all who wish to raise the tide ofmathematical literacy.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission. END ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Pearls from the Martin Gardner oyster farm
There is nothing like a good paradox to sharpen the wits. Properly presented, they can frustrate you to the point of grinding off the sharp points of your teeth. The title selection from this collection of Martin Gardners' Mathematical Recreations columns from Scientific American is one of the better paradoxes that you will find. The solution is surprisingly easy, once the proper approach is taken.
The other entries are also vintage Gardner, who has no equal in the accurate rendition of mathematical curiosa. Other topics include gambling fallacies, a church of the fourth dimension, games and systems that learn by experience. There are also thirty-seven catch questions in a final chapter that are definitely groaners. Upon initial reading, the answer appears easy. However, the careful and precise wording of the problem often leads to an unusual but correct solution.
If you have a curiosity driven desire to learn mathematics, then Martin Gardner is an excellent place to begin or continue your exploration. Even though the articles collected here were written in the early sixties, the topics are timeless and will continue to intrigue new generations of the mathematically inclined.

Curiosities of math/logic, and more
I read this book in the early '70s, and it remains one of my favorites. You don't need to know much math to enjoy this collection of curiosities that are mostly math- or logic-related. The text is a combination of puzzles, instructive prose, and stories. The book is easy-to-read and informative, with many references for additional reading.

Mr. Gardner writes about: a drill bit for drilling square holes; different types of spiral curves; social behavior of the inhabitants of two-dimensional worlds; bar tricks; geometric dissections of polygons; peg solitaire games; the transcendental number "e"; cartoons that are read both right side up and upside down; game-playing machines; and more. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Clifford Pickover is by most standards a mathematics geek (Ph.D. research scientist for IBM, associate editor for two computer journals), but he is the coolest math geek you might ever meet. For this book he has compiled 30 chapters of mathematical puzzles (and one short story), all having some connection to the concept of infinity. These problems are open-ended; in the event that the reader actually solves the main puzzle, there are enough digressions, diversions, and tangents to keep even the fastest computer running for hours. Computer modelers will be happy to find that instructive BASIC and C language has been provided for most of the problems. Many puzzles have been previously posted on the Internet, and the best or weirdest replies have been included in this book.

If phrases like "Monte Carlo bootstrapping approximation" send you off the deep end, not to worry. These are not dry, dusty puzzles. In problems such as "The Loom of Creation," "Grid of the Gods," "Alien Abduction Algebra," and "The Infinity Worms of Callisto," Pickover has couched mathematical puzzles in bizarre science fiction scenarios to make them both fun and challenging. --Eric Warner ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A fascinating exploration of topics on infinity
*The book is a collection of fascinating, thought-provoking essays on
various topics which are not necessarily all concerned with infinite
topics. Some may be discussions of really big numbers or
mathematical constructs, but these may or may not necessarily involve
infinity.

*If you absolutely cannot stand math stuff, this is not your book.
Otherwise, it has a range of math from very simple to really
advanced. I just brushed over the very advanced math stuff that I
either did not understand or had long ago forgotten, but I didn't
really feel like I missed anything.

*There are a slew of amazing visually complex and striking graphical
representations of various advanced functions, etc. All are well
worth exploring, even if they do not directly involve infinite
concepts. The book is loaded with such graphics, a real visual feast.

*The math is rather advanced in some sections but is quite elementary
in others. Best of all, a generous collection of computer programs
is included which can be used to explore almost every chapter.

*There are a few "mystery" type things, but mostly it is just very
exotic, seldom-explored areas of number theories and other areas of
mathematics.

*The chapter on Vampire numbers is really cool, I thought. I have
seen them mentioned in posts here from time to time, now I understand
what they are and why they are so interesting

*The chapter on recursion has loads of really cool pattern-type stuff
that you can easily explore with a PC. A great topic.

*The chapter near the back of the book on random numbers and random
number generators is great background for some anyone interested in quantum theory. I had never seen the RNG cloud graphics before, what a
unique and ideal way to show the effectiveness of an RNG.

As expected, this is a great book, I heartily recommend it for all.

A truly entertaining book on numbers
A perpetual idea machine, Clifford Pickover is one of the most creative, original thinkers in the world today. In most cases using only simple ideas, he follows paths that in many cases must be constructed immediately before traversal. In this, his latest installment in that trek of exploration, he is again at his best.
Each subject starts with a simple premise and the author follows it through to a basic conclusion. Many of the topics involve computer programs, and source code is provided. The programs are in several languages, including C, Pascal, BASIC and Rexx. However, most programs are quite short and represent basic algorithms, so it is not difficult to understand a program even if you are not familiar with the language.
Some of the topics include:

- 10^33, the largest power of 10 that can be represented as the product of two numbers that contain no zero digits.
- A debate as to whether there should be a national computing initiative to compute the first trillion digits of Pi.
- Fractal milkshakes, or creating a collection of fractal "bubbles."

Truly fuN with a capital N for number, this is another of the author's superb creations. A math book that is entertaining, and not just to people who find it so by nature or profession.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Infinity got you stumped? Get this book
Having trouble understanding the concept of "infinity"? Know the word but don't have a deep understanding of what it really is? This book is for you! The author can take such a hard-to-grasp concept like infinity and make it accessible to everyone. With a good sprinkling of computer programs for those with access to one, Pickover provides the reader with the ability to experiment with the ideas presented.

The one thing wrong with this book is that it's finite
This book is not just for maths nuts like me. Its for anyone who has a passing interest in the subject.

The author has in a crisp and concise wa,y managed to introduce, and in some cases explain, both the history and the solution, to some of the most mystifying problems to confront mankind in his infinite quest to understand the Ultimate Infinity - The Universe.

The cover notes suggest that the reader requires "no specialised mathematical knowledge " but you will need to understand some maths probably to GCSE level but then you would not buy, borrow or steal this book if you can't add, subtract, multiply and divide.

The computer programs that are sprinkled throughout the book do require a lot of thought and a good knowledge of the particular language, of which there are several, to make them work but, when they do, they demonstrate the beauty of maths as well as illustrate the ideas under discussion extremely well.

In all a very good read. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is jam-packed with 139 classroom-tested, entertaining math activities that allow kids in grades 3-8 to build their capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and accurate estimation. An equally valuable resource for teachers and parents, this expanded second edition features 25 new activities. Chapters include activities ranging from number problems and geometric puzzles to logical prediction and calculator exercises. Each activity comes with step-by-step directions, a materials list, an indication of level of difficulty, and an explanation of the solution. None of the activities requires more than a few minutes of advance preparation. ... Read more

Book Description

In August of 1986 a special conference on recreational mathematics was held at the University of Calgary to celebrate the founding of the Strens Collection. Leading practitioners of recreational mathematics from around the world gathered in Calgary to share with each other the joy and spirit of play that is to be found in recreational mathematics. It would be difficult to find a better collection of wonderful articles on recreational mathematics by a more distinguished group of authors. If you are interested in tessellations, Escher, tilings, Rubik's cube, pentominoes, games, puzzles, the arbelos, Henry Dudeney, or change ringing, then this book is for you. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mathematics based on the just because principle
Like so many of the "hard" sciences, mathematics suffers from a perception complex. The public view of the practice and practitioners is that of a hopeless muddle of esoteric babble. But to paraphrase E. T. Bell, "mathematicians are as human as the rest, sometimes more so." One could make a solid argument that human essence can be boiled down to the creation and appreciation of art, employing a strategy in playing games with the only goal that of winning a non-essential prize, doing things for the mental exercise and seeing patterns where none is immediately obvious. All of these items are found in applied mathematics and in this case it is called recreational mathematics.
No artwork requires more thought to understand than that of M. C. Escher, where so many objects start as one thing and are somehow metamorphed into others. Many of the current ideas of fractals can be found in his drawings. So many "simple" games that we are exposed to have strategies that are mathematical in nature. But some, like chess, seem to defy solid mathematical analysis and show us once again how powerful the human computer really is. As the numbers of such puzzles appearing in newspapers and magazines indicates, a large percentage of the public enjoys a good mental tickler.
This collection is a distillation of those thoughts, featuring mathematical explanations of most. The works here show once again that the distinction between mathematics and the rest of the world is an artificial one put up by small minds. Mathematics is a joyous endeavor that provides more joy and frustration than any other ever imagined by intellects on par with that of humans. It is a joy to read about people doing mathematics for no other reason than recreation. It is also sad to realize that so many people who proudly wear a badge of mathematical illiteracy are so far gone that the do not realize it when they are employing mathematics in a recreational manner. For a short time, one of the best-selling books was one describing how to solve the puzzle known as "Rubik's Cube." As is explained here, the solution is based on beginning group theory.
A welcome addition to the literature, this report of the Strens conference is refreshing. For it shows mathematicians and their ilk having fun doing mathematics. To be blunt, that is something that the public simply does not understand.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

All it takes to solve these problems are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Sound simple?Well...not quite. But fun? Absolutely, because you find the answers by thinking of each puzzle as a game, where you have the exciting challenge of testing, probing, and overcoming an opponent's weaknesses. What must you do to "win"? There are geometry puzzles involving figures to cut in equal parts: use your visual intuition and mental flexibility to manipulate the pieces. Then, play "pentominoes," or five-sided dominoes: it's one of the world's most popular types of jigsaw and a delightfully tricky challenge. Still more involve moves across a board and drawings. Give this one a shot: Even upside down, a bat can continue to use its digital watch, because some hours are the same even when viewed in reverse. For example, this is what happens with 12:21. We call these hours reversible. What is the shortest interval between two reversible hours? Victory will be sweet when you vanquish these puzzles! Answer: The shortest interval between two reversible hours is between 9:56 and 10:01, and is five minutes.
... Read more

Book Description

Treasury of 135 bafflers (70 "quickies" and 65 "micropuzzles") specially designed for computer hobbyists. Puzzles range from relatively simple exercises in logic to daunting mathematical brainteasers. Although a computer is helpful, many can be solved with pocket calculator, pen-and-paper or just plain brain-power. Introduction. Answers.
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Book Description

In 1998 Thomas Hales dramatically announced

the solution of a problem which has long teased

eminent mathematicians: what is the densest

possible arrangement of identical spheres? In this

book Denis Weaire and Tomaso Aste recount the

story of this problem and many others which have

to do with packing things together. The examples

range through mathematics, physics, biology and

engineering; they include the arrangement of

soap bubbles in a foam, atoms in a crystal, the

architecture of the bee's honeycomb, and the

structure of the Giant's Causeway. While

conveying all of the essential information in each

case, with key references, the style is informal.

Included are brief accounts of the lives of many of

the scientists who devoted themselves to

problems of packing over many centuries,

together with wry comments on their efforts. It is

an entertaining introduction to the field for both

specialists and the more general public. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Introduction to mysteries and myths of packing!
The text is packed with both ordered and disorderly discussions of several packing problems that arise in daily life as well as in crystallography, physics and abstract mathematics. A nice introduction to the solved and unsolved mysteries and myths of packing problems!! The text is an easy read, suitable for even high school kids, though graduate students and teachers will find it more illuminating and informative!

Excellent introduction to packing
A good starting discussion for packing problems, even though several issues are not covered (look at Erich's Packing Center for the next edition). Chapters cover Circle packings, sphere packings, the Hales proof, seed shapes, honeycombs, bubbles, atoms and crystals, fractal aggregates, The Giant's Causeway, buckyballs, higher dimensional packings, and various odds and ends. There are lots of illustrations and good discussions. I would have prefered for more to be packed into the book. Still, it's the best introductory book on packing I know of. ... Read more