Dissections: Plane and Fancy - Hardcover

Frederickson, Greg N.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521571979 ISBN 13: 9780521571975

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

Can you cut an octagon into five pieces and rearrange them into a square? How about turning a star into a pentagon? These are just two of the infinite challenges of geometric dissections, the mathematical art of cutting figures into pieces that can be rearranged to form other figures, using as few pieces as possible. Through the ages, geometric dissections have fascinated puzzle fans and great mathematicians alike. Here are dissections known to Plato and exciting new discoveries alike. Greg Frederickson explains solution methods carefully, assuming only a basic knowledge of high school geometry. This beautifully illustrated book provides hours of enjoyment for every mathematical puzzle enthusiast.

About this title

Book Description:

Can you cut an octagon into 5 pieces and rearrange them into a square? How about turning a star into a pentagon? These are just two of the infinite challenges of geometric dissections, the mathematical art of cutting figures into pieces that can be rearranged to form other figures, using as few pieces as possible. This book shows you many ingenious ways to solve these problems and the beautiful constructions you can create. The author explains solution methods carefully, assuming only a basic knowledge of high school geometry, then poses puzzles for you to solve. He also introduces the people who have worked on these problems, travelling from the palace school of tenth-century Baghdad to the mathematical puzzle columns in turn-of-the-century newspapers. This beautifully illustrated book will provide hours of enjoyment for any mathematical puzzle enthusiast.

Review:

"A beautiful book that entices, entertains, fascinates, and instructs. Collects, organizes, and presents 2000+ years of discovery alongside exciting new contributions. Complete, thorough, fun to read; this will be a classic." - American Mathematical Monthly

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0521571979
• ISBN 13: 9780521571975
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 322