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Product Description
Product 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.
About the Author
Clifford A. Pickover received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is the author of over twenty-five highly-acclaimed popular science books. Pickover is a prolific inventor, the associate editor for several journals, and puzzle creator for magazines and his own puzzle calendars. His web site, Pickover.com, has received over 500,000 visits. He lives in Yorktown Heights, New York.
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First Sentence
Are you a mathematical amateur? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
Are you a mathematical amateur? Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Author's semi-jocular style does not deceive. This is a serious book and his deep reverence and love of the subject is not far below the surface.
At times I felt that he wrote for the more mentally equipped than the likes of myself, a mathematical voyeur. Thus in some respects he may appeal to the solver of puzzles and conundrums. He does, nevertheless,take you exploring for mathematical jewels and wonders as would a friendly and attentive tutor.
Despite a helpful publisher's note I could not fathom who Dr Googol is. He makes constant appearances throughout. Is he real? Is he a fictitious cartoon character brought in to provide artificial continuity? Is he the author in disguise? Some of his yarns might be true. The answer must remain within a closed circle of initiates.
After an initial struggle, I came to admire the layout of the book with its short chapters and its "Further Exploring" appendix which cleverly did away with awkward footnotes.
There is no question that the light-hearted manner assists understanding and there are many contemplative moments as well,the chapter on hyperspace prisons, for example, and the fine quotes from sages at the head of every chapter.
The author is modest, but you could not call him retiring or unenthusiastic. He is bursting with intelligence and knowledge with an unaffected desire to impart the same to others, which I found irresistible. Yet despite his efforts, I still felt an outsider. Perhaps he tried a little too hard, but he is not to be blamed for that. Five stars to him.
At times I felt that he wrote for the more mentally equipped than the likes of myself, a mathematical voyeur. Thus in some respects he may appeal to the solver of puzzles and conundrums. He does, nevertheless,take you exploring for mathematical jewels and wonders as would a friendly and attentive tutor.
Despite a helpful publisher's note I could not fathom who Dr Googol is. He makes constant appearances throughout. Is he real? Is he a fictitious cartoon character brought in to provide artificial continuity? Is he the author in disguise? Some of his yarns might be true. The answer must remain within a closed circle of initiates.
After an initial struggle, I came to admire the layout of the book with its short chapters and its "Further Exploring" appendix which cleverly did away with awkward footnotes.
There is no question that the light-hearted manner assists understanding and there are many contemplative moments as well,the chapter on hyperspace prisons, for example, and the fine quotes from sages at the head of every chapter.
The author is modest, but you could not call him retiring or unenthusiastic. He is bursting with intelligence and knowledge with an unaffected desire to impart the same to others, which I found irresistible. Yet despite his efforts, I still felt an outsider. Perhaps he tried a little too hard, but he is not to be blamed for that. Five stars to him.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As an A-level Mathematics student and a maths enthusiast I have found this book to be a fascinating read. It contains interesting summaries of complex and often unusual topics - all of which are presented in a readable format. However, as it is a mathematical text, some sections require a fair amount of mathematical knowledge. However, these esoteric sections usually contain within them more intelligible sections for those who don't possess quite as much mathematical know-how as they do enthusiasm for numbers and puzzles.
This book has been - and still is - a fascinating read, one that I am find enriches my formal study of maths. Well worth every penny.
This book has been - and still is - a fascinating read, one that I am find enriches my formal study of maths. Well worth every penny.
1 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Wonders of numbers is true genius, in single book it proves that God exists, how maths will be used to make contact with aliens, how to solve the incredibly fiendish dudly triangle and how numbers and formulae are truly the key to the universe. thanks to this book I have a Doctorate in mathematics
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