Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics) - Softcover
Book 188 of 303: Dover Books on Mathematics
Synopsis
You don’t have to love math to enjoy a hand of cards, a night at the casino, or a puzzle. But your pleasure and prowess at games, gambling, and other numerically related pursuits can be heightened with this entertaining volume, in which the authors offer a fascinating view of some of the lesser-known and more imaginative aspects of mathematics.
A brief and breezy explanation of the new language of mathematics precedes a smorgasbord of such thought-provoking subjects as the googolplex (the largest definite number anyone has yet bothered to conceive of); assorted geometries — plane and fancy; famous puzzles that made mathematical history; and tantalizing paradoxes. Gamblers receive fair warning on the laws of chance; a look at rubber-sheet geometry twists circles into loops without sacrificing certain important properties; and an exploration of the mathematics of change and growth shows how calculus, among its other uses, helps trace the path of falling bombs.
Written with wit and clarity for the intelligent reader who has taken high school and perhaps college math, this volume deftly progresses from simple arithmetic to calculus and non-Euclidean geometry. It “lives up to its title in every way [and] might well have been merely terrifying, whereas it proves to be both charming and exciting." — Saturday Review of Literature.
A brief and breezy explanation of the new language of mathematics precedes a smorgasbord of such thought-provoking subjects as the googolplex (the largest definite number anyone has yet bothered to conceive of); assorted geometries — plane and fancy; famous puzzles that made mathematical history; and tantalizing paradoxes. Gamblers receive fair warning on the laws of chance; a look at rubber-sheet geometry twists circles into loops without sacrificing certain important properties; and an exploration of the mathematics of change and growth shows how calculus, among its other uses, helps trace the path of falling bombs.
Written with wit and clarity for the intelligent reader who has taken high school and perhaps college math, this volume deftly progresses from simple arithmetic to calculus and non-Euclidean geometry. It “lives up to its title in every way [and] might well have been merely terrifying, whereas it proves to be both charming and exciting." — Saturday Review of Literature.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: Austin Goodwill 1101, Austin, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. Book shows noticeable wear from use. May include writing, highlighting, or other markings, but not excessive. Cover or edges may have visible wear. The book remains complete and fully readable. Seller Inventory # 4RZUQA000YWV
Stock Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: FOLCHATT, Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 3 out of 5 stars
paperback. very good cover Interior is excellent. one turn. Seller Inventory # 2401020070
Stock Image
Mathematics and the Imagination
Published by
Dover Publications, Incorporated, 2001
ISBN 10: 0486417034
ISBN 13: 9780486417035
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1 Edition. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 8348785-6
Seller Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago, Racine, WI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Book is considered to be in good or better condition. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo. Hard cover books may show signs of wear on the spine, cover or dust jacket. Paperback book may show signs of wear on spine or cover as well as having a slight bend, curve or creasing to it. Book should have minimal to no writing inside and no highlighting. Pages should be free of tears or creasing. Stickers should not be present on cover or elsewhere, and any CD or DVD expected with the book is included. Book is not a former library copy. Seller Inventory # SEWV.0486417034.G
Seller Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: Goodwill of Silicon Valley, SAN JOSE, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Supports Goodwill of Silicon Valley job training programs. The cover and pages are in Good condition! Any other included accessories are also in Good condition showing use. Use can include some highlighting and writing, page and cover creases as well as other types visible wear. Seller Inventory # GWSVV.0486417034.G
Stock Image
Mathematics and the Imagination Format: Paperback
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 9780486417035
Seller Image
Mathematics and the Imagination
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 439317-n
Stock Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: Sharehousegoods, Colgate, WI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. NEW! paperbackNew2001. Seller Inventory # MO-EW-01-09-00016
Stock Image
Mathematics and the Imagination (Dover Books on Mathematics)
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1751622512. 7/4/2025 9:48:32 AM. Seller Inventory # U9780486417035
Buy Used
US$ 12.03
Shipping:
US$ 7.22
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
Mathematics and the Imagination
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 439317