Strange Curves, Counting Rabbits: and other Mathematical Explorations.KEITH BALL The applications of mathematics are myriad, yet most of us are generally unaware of them. Ball draws on areas of mathematics including probability theory probability theory Branch of mathematics that deals with analysis of random events. Probability is the numerical assessment of likelihood on a scale from 0 (impossibility) to 1 (absolute certainty). , number theory, and geometry to explore a wide range of concepts we use daily, if unwittingly. For instance, he explains how mathematics enables us to transmit images from satellites back to Earth and how publishers use ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m codes to identify books. Other sections merely celebrate interesting theorems and concepts, including the bell Curve, Fibonacci and the golden ratio, and the numbers e and pi. Each one of 10 chapters begins with a brief outline of an area of mathematics and then discusses its underlying principles. Readers with a general knowledge of basic calculus will find this survey of recreational mathematics Recreational mathematics includes many mathematical games, and can be extended to cover such areas as logic and other puzzles of deductive reasoning. Even some of the most interesting problems in this field do not require a knowledge of advanced mathematics. a treasure trove TREASURE TROVE. Found treasure. 2. This name is given to such money or coin, gold, silver, plate, or bullion, which having been hidden or concealed in the earth or other private place, so long that its owner is unknown, has been discovered by accident. of fun. Princeton U Pr, 2003, 251 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $29.95. |
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