Buy used:
$36.96
FREE delivery June 28 - July 3. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by Better World Books: South
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Over 100 million books sold! 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Free & Fast Shipping!
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

David Gale
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Tracking the Automatic ANT: And Other Mathematical Explorations Hardcover – January 1, 1998

by David Gale (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 5 ratings
See all formats and editions
For those fascinated by the abstract universe of mathematics, David Gale's columns in The Mathematical Intelligencer have been a prime source of entertainment. Here Gale's columns are collected for the first time in book form. Encouraged by the magazine's editor, Sheldon Axler, to write on whatever pleased him, Gale ranged far and wide across the field of mathematics but frequently returned to favorite triangles, tilings, the mysterious properties of sequences given by simple recursions, games and paradoxes, and the particular automaton that gives this collection its title, the "automatic ant". The level is suitable for those with some familiarity with mathematical ideas, but great sophistication is not needed.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    241 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Springer
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1998
  5. Dimensions
    6.75 x 1 x 9.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0387982728
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0387982724
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Springer (January 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 241 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0387982728
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0387982724
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 1 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 5 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David Gale

David Gale

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
We don’t use a simple average to calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star. Our system gives more weight to certain factors—including how recent the review is and if the reviewer bought it on Amazon. Learn more
5 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

what'sup
5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fascinating stuff.
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
Lots of very fascinating stuff. One of the better recreational math books I have read, and I have read them all.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars This book is a lot of fun.
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
I enjoy this sort of thing. I have read about 1/3 of the book so far. I love how the author sometimes gives puzzles, but often just tells the reader about things.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Laszlo Kozma
5.0 out of 5 stars great book for those who love mathematics
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2015
A book that contains puzzles, interesting mathematical ideas and results, short opinions on various aspects of mathematics. The topics are loosely connected, the format is similar to that of Martin Gardner’s or Douglas Hofstadter’s collections. A common theme throughout the book is the exploration (often computer-assisted) of large mathematical structures, such as the solution space of a puzzle, particularly when classical approaches fail. It is one of the best recreational mathematical books I’ve ever read, covering a rich variety of topics, difficult to summarize in a review.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report