The Biggest Number in the World
A Journey to the Edge of Mathematics
Published on 5. May 2022
256 pages
978-0-86154-306-9 (ISBN)
Description
From cells in our bodies to measuring the universe, big numbers are everywhere
We all know that numbers go on forever, that you could spend your life counting and never reach the end of the line, so there can't be such a thing as a 'biggest number'. Or can there?
To find out, David Darling and Agnijo Banerjee embark on an epic quest, revealing the answers to questions like: are there more grains of sand on Earth or stars in the universe? Is there enough paper on Earth to write out the digits of a googolplex? And what is a googolplex?
Then things get serious.
Enter the strange realm between the finite and the infinite, and float through a universe where the rules we cling to no longer apply. Encounter the highest number computable and infinite kinds of infinity. At every turn, a cast of wild and wonderful characters threatens the status quo with their ideas, and each time the numbers get larger.
We all know that numbers go on forever, that you could spend your life counting and never reach the end of the line, so there can't be such a thing as a 'biggest number'. Or can there?
To find out, David Darling and Agnijo Banerjee embark on an epic quest, revealing the answers to questions like: are there more grains of sand on Earth or stars in the universe? Is there enough paper on Earth to write out the digits of a googolplex? And what is a googolplex?
Then things get serious.
Enter the strange realm between the finite and the infinite, and float through a universe where the rules we cling to no longer apply. Encounter the highest number computable and infinite kinds of infinity. At every turn, a cast of wild and wonderful characters threatens the status quo with their ideas, and each time the numbers get larger.
Reviews / Votes
'A wonderful new book... if you love journeying into imagined mathematical worlds and simply exploring, then [this book] is pure, unadulterated escapism... brilliant.' -- <i>New Scientist</i> 'We are taken on an amazing adventure... [with] witty humour and fascinating facts... a comprehensive read that I would struggle to find fault in and for anyone with a passion for maths, or a knack for numbers, I couldn't recommend it enough!' -- <i>Astronomy Ireland</i> 'The brilliant combination of an accomplished science writer and a young mathematical prodigy has resulted in page after page that oozes enthusiasm, clarity and intrigue.' -- Bobby Seagull, on <i>Weirder Maths</i>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Illustrations
integrated grayscale illustrations
File size
4,67 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-86154-306-9 (9780861543069)
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 Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2022
Oneworld Publications
€17.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Persons
David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and tutor. He is the author of nearly fifty books, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.
Agnijo Banerjee is one of the world's most outstanding young mathematicians and a former student of Darling's. He was born in Kolkata, India, but has spent most of his life in Scotland. He is now continuing his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge.
They are the authors of the Weird Maths trilogy.
Agnijo Banerjee is one of the world's most outstanding young mathematicians and a former student of Darling's. He was born in Kolkata, India, but has spent most of his life in Scotland. He is now continuing his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge.
They are the authors of the Weird Maths trilogy.
Content
Introduction
1 Of Sand and Stars
2 At the Limits of Reality
3 Maths Unbound
4 Up, Up and Away
5 G Whizz
6 Conway's Chains
7 Ackermann and the Power of Recursion
8 Figure This - If You Can
9 Infinite Matters
10 Growing Fast
11 Does Not Compute!
12 The Strange World of the Googologist
13 Bridge to Beyond
14 The Biggest Number of All
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Useful websites and webpages
References
1 Of Sand and Stars
2 At the Limits of Reality
3 Maths Unbound
4 Up, Up and Away
5 G Whizz
6 Conway's Chains
7 Ackermann and the Power of Recursion
8 Figure This - If You Can
9 Infinite Matters
10 Growing Fast
11 Does Not Compute!
12 The Strange World of the Googologist
13 Bridge to Beyond
14 The Biggest Number of All
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Useful websites and webpages
References
