Proofs that really count. The art of combinatorial proof

Benjamin, Arthur T., and Jennifer J. Quinn

ISBN 10: 0883853337 / ISBN 13: 9780883853337

Published by The Mathematical Association of America, [Washington DC], 2003

About this Item

First edition, large 8vo, pp. xiv, 194; pictorial paper covered boards; fine. Inscribed by Benjamin "my 260th=2^2x5x13th signed book . and counting!" "This is a magical introduction to the simplicity, power, and beauty of bijective proofs . [it] explores more than 200 identities throughout the text and exercises . This book should appeal to readers of all levels from high school math students to professional mathematicians.".

Seller Inventory # 61818

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Proofs that really count. The art of combinatorial proof
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America, [Washington DC]
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0883853337
• ISBN 13: 9780883853337
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Seller catalogs:
  • Education
  • Science
  • Mathematics

About this title

Synopsis

Mathematics is the science of patterns, and mathematicians attempt to understand these patterns and discover new ones using a variety of tools. In Proofs That Really Count, award-winning math professors Arthur Benjamin and Jennifer Quinn demonstrate that many number patterns, even very complex ones, can be understood by simple counting arguments. The book emphasizes numbers that are often not thought of as numbers that count: Fibonacci Numbers, Lucas Numbers, Continued Fractions, and Harmonic Numbers, to name a few. Numerous hints and references are given for all chapter exercises and many chapters end with a list of identities in need of combinatorial proof. The extensive appendix of identities will be a valuable resource. This book should appeal to readers of all levels, from high school math students to professional mathematicians.

About the Author

Arthur T. Benjamin received his PhD in Mathematical Sciences from John Hopkins University. He is currently Professor and Chair of the Mathematics Department at Harvey Mudd College.

Jennifer J. Quinn received here PhD in Combinatorics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is currently Associate Professor and Chair of the Mathematics Department at Occidental College.