The Magic of Mathematics: Discovering the Spell of Mathematics

by Theoni Pappas

Overview

Delves into the world of ideas, explores the spell mathematics casts on our lives, and helps you discover mathematics where you least expect it. Be spellbound by the mathematical designs found in nature. Learn how knots may untie the mysteries of life. Be mesmerized by the computer revolution. Discover how the hidden forces of mathematics -hold architectural structures together -connect your telephone calls -help airplanes get off the ground - solve the mysteries of the living cell. See how some artists use a mathematical palette in their works and how many writers draw upon the wealth of its ideas. Experience all this in The Magic of Mathematics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780933174993
Publisher:	WIDE WORLD PUB
Publication date:	04/26/1994
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	10 - 18 Years

About the Author

Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappasreceived her B.A. from the University ofCalifornia at Berkeleyin 1966 and her M.A. from StanfordUniversityin 1967. She taught high schooland college mathematics for nearly twodecades, then turned to writing aremarkable series of innovative bookswhich reflect her commitment to demystifyingmathematics and making the subjectmore approachable. Through her pithy,non-threatening and easily comprehensiblestyle, she breaks down mathematical prejudicesand barriers to help one realize thatmathematics is a dynamic world offascinating ideas that can be easilyaccessible to the layperson.

Her many books and calendars appeal toboth young and adult audiences and intrigue the "I hate math people" as well asthe math enthusiasts. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club™selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick-of-the-Paperbacks.Her other innovative creations include: The Mathematics Calendar, The Children'sMathematics Calendar, The Mathematics Engagement Calendar, The Math-T-Shirt, andWhat Do You Seeδ-An optical illusion slide show with text. Pappas is also theauthor of the the books: The Joy of Mathematics, More Joy of Mathematics, Math Talk, MathematicsJourneys, Fractals, Googols & Other Mathematical Tales, The Adventures ofPenrose-the mathematical cat, Math for Kids & Other People Too!, The FurtherAdventures of Penrose-the mathematical cat, More Mathematical Adventures withPenrose the mathematical cat, The Magic of Mathematics, Mathematical Scandals,Math-A-Day, Mathematical Footprints, Math Stuff and Mathematical Snippets,Puzzles from Penrose, Do the Math, Numbers and Other Math Ideas Come Alive.Many of her books have been translated into Japanese, Finnish, French,Slovakian, Czech, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Thai, simplified and traditionalChinese, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Spanish.

Table of Contents

• preface
  
• mathematics in everyday things
  
• magical mathematical worlds
  
• mathematics & art
  
• the magic of numbers
  
• mathematical magic in nature
  
• mathematical magic from the past
  
• mathematics plays its music
  
• the revolution of computers
  
• mathematics & the mysteries of life
  
• mathematics and architecture
  
• the spell of logic, recreation & games
  
• solutions
  
• bibliography
  
• index
  

Editorial Reviews

"Thought-provoking yet not overwhelming, this book makes the author's pleasure in mathematics evident. " —Library Journal

"witty and intriguing" — ­Science News

"Readers will relish this book. The focus is to explain math in a lively, revealing manner. It succeeds!" — ­The Bookwatch

"Pappas writes at a level that puts all her topics within reach of any mathematics teacher and usually within reach of a generalist as well. In spite of this, she does not skim over facts or misrepresent them. If you haven't bought Pappas' first two books, then get them. If you have them, buy this one as well." ­ —The Mathematics Teacher

From the Publisher

The essays in this third volume of mathematical mini-essays by the author of The Joy of Mathematics (Wide World Pub./Tetra, 1989) and More Joy of Mathematics (Wide World Pub./Tetra, 1991) are for the general reader, requiring little mathematical background. They range broadly over mathematical themes in art, architecture, music, games, and everyday technology, encompassing history, new discoveries, applications, and recreations. Though the choice of subjects is haphazard, and each essay barely skims the surface, the book is fun to browse. Ideas are tossed out and discussed one after another with just enough details to keep things interesting. There are many illustrations and few equations. Thought-provoking yet not overwhelming, this book makes the author's pleasure in mathematics evident. Recommended for young adults and older.-Amy Brunvand, Fort Lewis Coll. Lib., Durango, Col.

Library Journal