the gentle art of mathematics

Professor Dan Pedoe uses a variety of practical applications and puzzles in taking a pleasantly light-hearted look at today's mathematical trends. He is comfortable illuminating such dark mysteries as the notion of infinity, the laws of probability and the algebra of classes. Yet he is equally happy clearing up such puzzling side-issues as how to take off your vest without first taking off your jacket, the twelve-coin problem, and what Newton told Pepys about dice-throwing. In nine chapters on an equal number of subjects, the author introduces mathematical games, including the use of the binary system ijn winning at Nim; chance and choice, with a method of calculating your odds of winning; where does it end, including the question - which is larger, the class of all integers or the class of all odd integers; automatic thinking, or mathematical logic; two-way stretch, an introduction to topology; rules of play, or how the laws of algebra work; an accountant's nightmare, with more problems of irrational numbers and infinity; and, double talk, or tricks with logic. Throughout there are a number of practical examples and a number of problems that you can try on your friends. What is more, the problems in the book work closely to give you a good understanding of modern mathematical thought. For those who have finished high school algebra and want to know more about what mathematics has to offer, The Gentle Art of Mathematics will be a good introduction to more advanced study in the field.For those who just want to be entertained or to tease their brains with mathematical problems, this book offers a great amount of material for mental stimulation. -- from back cover.