This is a collection of gems from the literature of mathematics that shine asbrightly today as when they first appeared in print - they deserve to be seenand admired. The selections include two opposing views on the purpose of mathematics, the strong law of small numbers, the treatment of calculus in the 1771 Encyclopaedia Britannica, several proofs that the number of legs on a horse is infinite, a deserved refutation of the ridiculous Euler-Diderot anecdote, the real story of pi and the Indiana legislature, the reason why Theodorus stopped proving that square roots were irrational when he got to the square root of 17, an excerpt from Mathematics Made Difficult, a glimpse into the mind of acalculating prodigy, and much more. There will be something here for anyone interested in mathematics. INDICE: Non-technical descriptions allow access for all to this fascinating material • Recreational mathematics master Underwood Dudley provides yet another stimulating mathematical exploration • Everyone will find something of interest in the many diverse aspects of mathematics covered.
- ISBN: 978-0-88385-566-9
- Editorial: Mathematical Association of America
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 352
- Fecha Publicación: 01/05/2008
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés