Mathematics for the Curious [Paperback]

Peter M. Higgins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0192880721 | ISBN-13: 978-0192880727

When do the hands of a clock coincide? How likely is it that two children in the same class will share a birthday? How do we calculate the volume of a doughnut? Mathematics for the Curious provides anyone interested in mathematics with a simple and entertaining account of what it can do.
Author Peter Higgins gives clear explanations of the more mysterious features of childhood mathematics as well as novelties and connections that prove that mathematics can be enjoyable and full of surprises. Topics include: the truth about fractions, the questions and their answers, and the golden ratio. Higgins poses entertaining puzzles and questions tempting the reader to ponder math problems with imagination instead of dread. Mathematics for the Curious is an accessible introduction to basic mathematics for beginning students and a lively refresher for adults.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

About the Author:
Peter M. Higgins is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Essex.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 9, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192880721
• ISBN-13: 978-0192880727
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,763,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, July 16, 2006

By 

Kevin Roberge "homology" (Old Town, Maine United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mathematics for the Curious (Paperback)

I'm finishing up my master's degree and on my way to teaching math. No easy task since most folks are afraid of math and are convinced that it is both uninteresting and certainly not very useful. Higgins provides many interesting puzzles for such people. I enjoyed reading this as it has helped me prepare some fun things for my students to work on. One thing I have found, is that the math that I find cool is not going to fly in a class room (I'm into algebraic topology). So its an ongoing program of self study to learn how to make math fun for the uninitiated. This book along with such books as Martin Gardners and such have begun to provide the means. The book is well written, well organized and always interesting. I cannot say how accessible it is, at least not objectively. I find it very easy to read and he explains everything, but then again I ought to find it easy to read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading; and good material, August 13, 2007

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Douglas M. Gluntz (Benicia, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mathematics for the Curious (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoy books of the kind that Peter M. Higgins has provided here.....my thanks to this author! It's a "grabber", for those who like to cover a wide subject territory while encountering intriguing puzzles you want to solve by yourself, before seeing the answers!