The Book of Numbers by John H Conway

The Book of Numbers by John H Conway

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 patterns' 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 mathematicians and writers could do.

From the reviews:

"This is a really fascinating book either to read or to browse in, or for reference - there is a good index, and I can strongly recommend it - it should be in every school and college library!" The Mathematical Gazette

"… A delightful look at numbers and their roles in everything from language to flowers to the imagination" Science News

"… The great feature of the book is that anyone can read it without excessive head scratching … You'll find plenty here to keep you occupied, amused, and informed. Buy, dip in, wallow." New Scientist

John H. Conway is the John von Neumann Chair of Mathematics at Princeton University. He obtained his BA and his PhD from the University of Cambridge (England). He is a prolific mathematician active in the theory of finite groups, knot theory, number theory, combinatorial game theory, and coding theory. He has also contributed to many branches of recreational mathematics, notably the invention of the Game of Life.

Heidi Burgiel is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Bridgewater State College. She obtained her BS in Mathematics from MIT and her PhD in Mathematics from the University of Washington. Her primary interests are educational technology and discrete geometry.

Chaim Goodman-Strauss is a professor in the department of mathematical sciences at the University of Arkansas. He obtained both his BS and PhD in Mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include low-dimensional topology, discrete geometry, differential geometry, the theory of computation, and mathematical illustration. Since 2004 he has been broadcasting mathematics on a weekly radio segment.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780387979939
ISBN 10	038797993X
Title	The Book of Numbers
Author	John H Conway
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Year published	1998-03-16
Number of pages	310
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.