Topics in Recreational Mathematics

This book shows something of the fascination, beauty and power of mathematical ideas.

J. H. Cadwell (Author)

9780521096201, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 January 2009

196 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.3 kg

This book shows something of the fascination, beauty and power of mathematical ideas. It is based on talks which the author has given to mathematical and scientific audiences, many of whom found the material unfamiliar. The fifteen topics range from the distribution of prime numbers among the integers to the enumeration of the seventeen distinct types of wall-paper pattern. (The standard of mathematics assumed in the reader is roughly that of British university entrance requirements and its equivalent overseas.) The book should be of particular value in sixth-form libraries and to teachers of mathematics at various levels who are looking for new and unusual examples to enliven their work.

1. Regular Polyhedra
2. The Fibonacci Sequence
3. Nested Polygons
4. The Distribution of Prime Numbers
5. Inversion in Elementary Geometry
6. Some Ruled Surfaces
7. Random Walks
8. The Four-Colour Problem
9. Dissection Problems in Two and Three Dimensions
10. Newton's Polygon and Plane Algebraic Curves
11. The Plane Symmetry Groups
12. The Real Number System
13. A Theorem of Combinatorial Geometry
14. The Number Pi
15. Rotors and Curves of Constant Breadth.

Subject Areas: Mathematics [PB]