Customer Reviews

You Are a Mathematician: A Wise and Witty Introduction to the Joy of Numbers

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This book is a very intense look at mathematics; however, it is not so far out of reach that the average persion couldn't understand. It doesn't take more than a high school understanding of some basic algebra and geometry to truly enjoy this book. But be warned! This book is tough, and best tackled with plenty of scrap paper to try some of the problems. If you complete the book, you will have learned some very clever problem- solving skills.

This is certainly an interesting ride through the forests of mathematics.

The book is a very detailed and deep look at all branches of mathematics, and a very good look at many different curiosities and bewilderments. D.G. Wells starts with a brief look at triangles, numbers, and patterns and goes on to talk about the enjoyment of mathematics and certainty and proof. In between, he ventures into the world of mathematical games, the most famous of which is Conway's Game of Life. He also talks of modeling the universe, or at least certain aspects of it, using mathematics - and using mathematics to search for the truth. He concludes with a "mathematical adventure," where you, the reader, travels through a series of linked frames exploring a certain mathematical curiousity.

I recommend this book for teenagers developing an interest in mathematics, but also for those who think that mathematics can't be interesting, and even for math teachers - so that they can take a look at their work and all its wonderful applications.

Some great mathematicians are born and others are made by having ability that is well applied. Furthermore, even if they do not understand it, nearly all people appreciate mathematics and all it is used for. The last group is more to the point of this book, in that the definition of a mathematician as referenced in the title is being extended to include those who appreciate what mathematics can do. Functions in math libraries are what I use as first examples as objects in my programming courses. Even though the students do not understand the behavior of functions such as the sine and cosine, they do understand the concept of a function call better when it is presented in a mathematical context.
This book is a collection of many mathematical discoveries that have occurred down through the centuries. Some have significant applications, but most would be excellent fits within the definition of recreational mathematics. Topics such as patterns in numbers, mathematical games and mathematics for enjoyment are covered. Problems for examination and clarification are interspersed throughout the chapters with solutions at the end of the chapter. It is an ideal book for those who are interested in mathematics as a subject to explore for the purity of expression. As is pointed out in the text, there is a finality found in mathematics that exists nowhere else. Once something is proven and the proof is completely verified, the theorem is then an absolute truth. The level of difficulty is such that a solid background in algebra is the only requirement for understanding what is being described.
While the level of student performance in mathematics at all levels is often depressing, it is gratifying to see so many popular mathematics books being published. It is clear that there is a solid market for such material, which uplifts the spirits of all who appreciate the beauty and power of math. Reading this book will help place you in that category if you are not already a member.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.