Dissections: Plane and Fancy
Frederickson, Greg N.
ISBN 10: 0521525829 ISBN 13: 9780521525824
Published by Cambridge University Press, 2003
Used
Paperback
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WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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About this Item
Description:
The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR006329724
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.
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.
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Bibliographic Details
Title: Dissections: Plane and Fancy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good