Dissections: Plane and Fancy

by Greg N. Frederickson

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521525824
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/03/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	324
Product dimensions:	6.97(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

1. 'Dat Pussle'; 2. Our geometric universe; 3. Fearful symmetry; 4. It's hip to be a square; 5. Triangles and friends; 6. All polygons created equal; 7. First steps; 8. Step right up!; 9. Watch your step!; 10. Just tessellating; 11. Plain out-stripped; 12. Strips teased; 13. Tessellations completed; 14. Maltese crosses; 15. Curves ahead; 16. Stardom; 17. Farewell, my lindgren; 18. The new breed; 19. When polygons aren't regular; 20. On to solids; 21. Cubes rationalized; 22. Prisms reformed; 23. Cheated, bamboozled, and hornswoggled; 24. Solutions to all our problems.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher