An accessible introduction to mathematical infinity for the endlessly curious
Infinity has traditionally been a topic for philosophers, physicists, and artists, and it can be large, scary, or highly metaphorical. For mathematicians, however, infinity is not frightening or hopelessly abstract (though it is certainly big) but rather is a normal part of their work. In this guide, award-winning professor and author Edward R. Scheinerman offers an exploration of infinity for the curious. This is real math for real people, and you do not need a mastery of calculus to understand and enjoy it.
Through witty and accessible prose, along with many illustrations, Scheinerman demonstrates how infinity is used in algebra, geometry, and logic, touching on hyperreal numbers, the hyperbolic plane, transfinite ordinals, and more. He ends each chapter with tantalizing questions to inspire readers toward further-infinite?-investigation. This book, by the author of The Mathematics Lover's Companion, is for students, mathophiles, engineers, scientists, accountants-even people who fear mathematics!
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"Math is rarely this precise and this readable at the same time. A gem for anyone who's ever been curious about the infinite."-Steven Strogatz, author of Infinite Powers
"A delightful book about the fundamental concept of infinity! With remarkable clarity, Ed Scheinerman invites readers to explore the many paths for approaching the infinite."-Avi Wigderson, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton
"A wonderfully well-presented set of explorations of infinity. Using only mathematics at the precalculus level, Professor Scheinerman enables the reader to effectively think about, and meaningfully work with, infinity from a variety of perspectives: algebraic, geometric, and set-theoretic."-Susan Jane Colley, Andrew and Pauline Delaney Professor of Mathematics Emerita, Oberlin College
"Ed Scheinerman succeeds in explaining the mathematical concept of infinity in its many guises, using only basic mathematical background. This is a beautiful description of a fascinating topic written by a superb expositor."-Noga Alon, Princeton University
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Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Produkt-Hinweis
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Maße
Höhe: 235 mm
Breite: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-300-28479-9 (9780300284799)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Edward R. Scheinerman is professor of applied mathematics and statistics and a vice dean at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of The Mathematics Lover's Companion.
