Mathematics: Powerful Patterns in Nature and Society (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780816057504)

For most people, mathematics is an abstraction with little connection to the real universe. But some mathematicians have discovered relatively simple yet exceedingly powerful patterns that yield insight into aspects of natural and human behavior. Mathematics presents 10 essays that profile the minds behind such patterns, many of which have surfaced in recent popular culture. Meet Leonardo of Pisa, who worked with Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Section; John von Neumann and John Nash, proponents of game theory; Edward Lorentz, who developed chaos theory; and Sid Meier, who has created award-winning computer games, such as Gettysburg and SimGolf, and five other mathematicians. Although the ideas explored here may produce complex results, they are inherently simple in concept, making them appealing, accessible vehicles for acquainting students with the human side of mathematics.

Author: Harry Henderson
ISBN-10: 0816057508
ISBN-13: 9780816057504
Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
Language: English
Published: 06/01/2007
Pages: 170
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 9.15h x 6.27w x 0.70d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 09/01/2007 pg. 102
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2008 pg. 131 - Recommended, Satisfactory