The Millennium Problems by Keith Devlin
In 2000, the Clay Foundation of Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced a historic competition: whoever could solve any of seven extraordinarily difficult mathematical problems, and have the solution acknowledged as correct by the experts, would receive 1 million in prize money. There was some precedent for doing this: in 1900 David Hilbert, one of the greatest mathematicians of his day, proposed twenty-three problems, now known as the Hilbert Problems, that set much of the agenda for mathematics in the twentieth century. The Millennium Problems are likely to acquire similar stature, and their solution (or lack of one) is likely to play a strong role in determining the course of mathematics in the current century. Keith Devlin, renowned expositor of mathematics, tells here what the seven problems are, how they came about, and what they mean for math and science. These problems are the brass rings held out to today's mathematicians, glittering and just out of reach. In the hands of Keith Devlin, the Math Guy from NPR's Weekend Edition, each Millennium Problem becomes a fascinating window onto the deepest and toughest questions in the field. For mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and everyone else with an interest in mathematics' cutting edge, The Millennium Problems is the definitive account of a subject that will have a very long shelf life.
Subtitled 'The Seven Greatest Unsolved Mathematical Problems of Our Time', Devlin's book is the purest brain foodIn 2000, the Clay Foundation of Massachusetts announced a historic competition: Whoever could solve any of seven extraordinarily difficult mathematical problems, and have the solution acknowledged as correct by the experts, would receive $1m. The solutions, if any, to the so-called Millennium Problems will play a strong role in determining the course of mathematics in the current century. They encompass many of the most fascinating areas of pure and applied mathematics, from topology and number theory to particle physics, computing and even aircraft design. Devlin describes what the seven problems are, how they came about, and what they mean for mathematics and science. In the hands of Devlin, each problem becomes a fascinating window onto the deepest questions in the field.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781862076860 |
| ISBN 10 | 1862076863 |
| Title | The Millennium Problems |
| Author | Keith Devlin |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Granta Books |
| Year published | 2004-01-15 |
| Number of pages | 237 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |