Nice Numbers
by John Barnes /
2016 / English / PDF
5.8 MB Download
In this intriguing book, John Barnes takes us on a journey
through aspects of numbers much as he took us on a geometrical
journey in Gems of Geometry. Similarly originating from a series
of lectures for adult students at Reading and Oxford University,
this book touches a variety of amusing and fascinating topics
regarding numbers and their uses both ancient and modern.
In this intriguing book, John Barnes takes us on a journey
through aspects of numbers much as he took us on a geometrical
journey in Gems of Geometry. Similarly originating from a series
of lectures for adult students at Reading and Oxford University,
this book touches a variety of amusing and fascinating topics
regarding numbers and their uses both ancient and modern.
The author informs and intrigues his audience with both
fundamental number topics such as prime numbers and cryptography,
and themes of daily needs and pleasures such as counting one's
assets, keeping track of time, and enjoying music. Puzzles and
exercises at the end of each lecture offer additional
inspiration, and numerous illustrations accompany the reader.
Furthermore, a number of appendices provides in-depth insights
into diverse topics such as Pascal's triangle, the Rubik cube,
Mersenne's curious keyboards, and many others. A theme running
through is the thought of what is our favourite number.
The author informs and intrigues his audience with both
fundamental number topics such as prime numbers and cryptography,
and themes of daily needs and pleasures such as counting one's
assets, keeping track of time, and enjoying music. Puzzles and
exercises at the end of each lecture offer additional
inspiration, and numerous illustrations accompany the reader.
Furthermore, a number of appendices provides in-depth insights
into diverse topics such as Pascal's triangle, the Rubik cube,
Mersenne's curious keyboards, and many others. A theme running
through is the thought of what is our favourite number.
Written in an engaging and witty style and requiring only basic
school mathematical knowledge, this book will appeal to both
young and mature readers fascinated by the curiosities of
numbers.
Written in an engaging and witty style and requiring only basic
school mathematical knowledge, this book will appeal to both
young and mature readers fascinated by the curiosities of
numbers.