Product Description

Keith Devlin reveals the role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognise and describe the hidden patterns of life. Supported with a variety of examples including - what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, how we forecast the weather and predict changes in the stock market, Devlin shows how mathematics can be used to describe and explain the world about us.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #476980 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 344 pages

Customer Reviews

A true five star rating
I never thought I would read, nevertheless enjoy, a book on math. This book is unquestionably one of the best works I have ever read on the sciences. Devlin writes in an uncannily concise and proficient style that actually makes the topic of math interesting and understandable to a lay person. Devlin intricately weaves history, mathematical concepts, and complex theories into a very readable text. (I did not think it could be done.)

The text is divided into eight sections ranging from numbers to astrophysics. While the book does build on the information offered in each chapter, it is not necessary to read the book in a linear fashion. Devlin makes it very easy to choose chapters of interest.

The first chapter deals with numbers. Ironically, we assume a lot about numbers when considering math. Devlin does an excellent job of defining what numbers are apart from the symbols we ascribe to them.

The second chapter provides a concise explanation of mathematical proofs, reason, and logic. Using his unique style, Devlin is able to cover this chapter with examples from classic math (algebra) to modern linguistic analysis. The latter is an excellent example of how Devlin applies math theories presented to natural real world examples.

Chapter 3 deals with the calculus. If you have ever asked: what is calculus used for, there is finally a concise, understandable presentation available in this chapter.

Chapter 4 refers to geometries. Devlin traces the evolution of geometries and provides a good introduction to dimensions beyond the third dimension. (These ideas are continued in Chapters 6 and 8.)

Chapter 5 is rather odd but seems to build on analyzing patterns in geometries. It treats topics like packing objects and snowflake patterns.

Chapter 6 is the most difficult chapter, in my opinion, but also the most rewarding. This chapter alone is well worth the book. If you ever wanted to understand donuts, coffee cups, manifolds, strings, and knots, this is an excellent chapter.

Chapter 7 is my favorite chapter. For once, someone has the insight to simply state that gambling and insurance are derived from the same origins. The chapter is an excellent treatment of regressions, means, and other "statistical" math.

Chapter 8 reminds me of Michiu Kaku. It takes many of the mathematical theories and information presented and applies it to modern scientific pursuits like gravity, relativity, and space time.

Fantasic Book
I agree with the other reviews, this is an excellent book. Even if you have no understanding of maths you will have a good grasp by the time you get to the end. If you want you can skip the working out details and just read the text, and you will still understand it.

dis book is 4 any1 who enjoys while lerning
this book is a fascinating book and deserves no less than a five star rating, because of the way it is written it tells you the history of mathematics as well as, at the same time the useful formulaes and explains them. This book is not simple, you really have to concentrate to understand most of it but if you think this kind of book is only for people with a massive vocabulary you are right. So keep a dictionary next to you. Overall once you get to understand the book you will enjoy it thoroughly. That is if you want to. gsandhu