How the Other Half Thinks: Adventures in Mathematical ReasoningMaths enthusiasts aren't necessarily the number-crunching geeks we tend to assume. In fact, they know that maths is about much more than numbers; it is a profoundly philosophical endeavour, as well as a stimulating mental exercise. In How the Other Half Thinks, Sherman Stein emphasizes the creative elements of mathematics by exploring some significant mathematical discoveries through simple, intuitive manipulations. With an ingenious technique that uses no algebra or trigonometry, and only a minimum of arithmetic, Stein takes us through the thought process behind some of math's great discoveries and applications. Each chapter begins with a simple question about strings made up of the letters a and b, which leads to other, more profound questions. Along the way, we become familiar with concepts from such fields as topology and probability, and learn how they have led to applications such as codes and radar, computing and even baseball statistics. Recreational and instructive, How the Other Half Thinks should appeal to die-hard maths enthusiasts (of which there are many) as well as those right-brainers who are looking for a way to understand and enjoy maths. |
From inside the book
4 pages matching Russell's paradox in this book
Page 176
Page 176
Where's the rest of this book?
Results 1-3 of 4
Contents
The Needle and the Noodle | 1 |
Win by Two | 21 |
The Complete Triangle | 35 |
Copyright | |
7 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
How the Other Half Thinks: Adventures in Mathematical Reasoning Sherman K. Stein No preview available - 2002 |
Common terms and phrases
ahead angles answer appear applied approach assume average number ballot Barbara begin blocks chance chapter close complete edge complete triangle count dots edge element equal exactly experiment figure final finite four fraction full string give half happen heads Imagine infinite instance labeled lead least lemma length letters likelihood longer look mathematics means meet moves needle number of complete number of crossings obtain occur once pair path pebbles penny played polygon possible problem proof quadruplets question reasoning record reflection roads score shape short shown start starts step straight symbols tails tells theoretical theory thinking throw tosses total number town trip triplets turns twin-free string twins types usual volleyball votes whole numbers wins wire