Think of a Number

ISBN-13: 9780852741832 / Angielski / Miękka / 1990 / 172 str.

Malcolm E. Lines; M. E. Lines

Opis

This book looks in particular at Greens functions and the field of chaotic motion. It attempts to explain these, and other mathematical problems, with the minimum of specialized jargon, and to make the subject more accessible.

Recenzje

"… eminently readable and thought-provoking book. Lines is that rare author who conscientiously respects his claim that little or no prior knowledge of mathematics is required. All that is necessary is accepting that letters can stand for numbers and an understanding of the basic arithmetical operations plus the use of signs and indices. A useful introductory chapter covers even these basic points in an intelligible way for those who may have forgotten all their schoolwork. … Besides intelligent laypersons, the book should appeal to many mathematically literate scientists and engineers."
-New Scientist, Sept. 1990

"The book is really well written and will be a value-for-money addition to the libraries of problem solvers everywhere."
-Aslib Book List, Nov. 90

"It is written in a lively and readable style. As Asimov confirmed: 'Simply the best book on numbers I ever read.'"
-R. Carchon, Physicalia, No. 2, Feb.1991

Spis treści

Introduction
The Fibonacci family and friends
Rising and falling with the hailstone numbers
Lies, damned lies and statistics
The pluperfect square-an ultimate patio décor
The trouble with Euclid's fifth
Clock numbers-an invention of the Master
Cryptography-the science of secret writing
Numbers and national security
Are four colors enough?
Rulers, dominoes and Professor Golomb
What on earth is an NP-problem?
How many balls can you shake into a can?
In between dimensions
The road to chaos
Supermathematics and the monster
Bibliography
Index

O autorze

M. E. Lines