Books like The Math Book by Clifford A. Pickover

Stephen Hawking explains the fundamental physics of the universe—space, time, cosmology, black holes, and the Big Bang—in clear, accessible language.

xn + yn = zn, where n represents 3, 4, 5, ...no solution "I have discovered a truly marvelous demonstration of this proposition which this margin is too narrow to contain." With these words, the seventeenth-century French mathematician Pierre de Fermat threw down the gauntlet to future generations. What came to be known as Fermat's Last Theorem looked simple; proving it, however, became the Holy Grail of mathematics, baffling its finest minds for more than 350 years. In Fermat's Enigma--based on the author's award-winning documentary film, which aired on PBS's "Nova"--Simon Singh tells the astonishingly entertaining story of the pursuit of that grail, and the lives that were devoted to, sacrificed for, and saved by it. Here is a mesmerizing tale of heartbreak and mastery that will forever change your feelings about mathematics.

A biography of the prolific mathematician Paul Erdős, detailing his restless travels, groundbreaking collaborations, and the mathematical problems that shaped his legacy.

An encyclopedic reference edited by Fields Medalist Timothy Gowers, the Princeton Companion to Mathematics offers nearly 200 essays by leading mathematicians, covering key concepts, historical development, and interdisciplinary impact of modern mathematics.

Mathematics hold a bad reputation, but they are a necessity. Their bad reputation can be attributed to how poorly we are being taught mathematics. American teachers have realized how counterproductive classical methodologies are, in which problems are presented with an air of mystery so as not to not detract the "wisdom" of those who disclose them for us, and have gracefully dealt with this problem, making mathematics look pleasant and familiar. This allows many technicians, intellectuals and parents who do not want to fall behind with regard to their children, because they have forgotten some concepts, dare again to reconsider math. But ... How? Older systems seem arid and people eagerly seek new easy and effective methods. Hence the success, both in Europe and in America, of works like this one we are offering our readers. **How has it come to this simplicity?** ... based on the idea that in mathematics the only quality that must be possessed is to understand that everything makes sense. Once this premise is established, the author starts from known elements to deduce consequences instead of making statements, all using everyday language. The first chapter is worked out with a pencil and paper. Within a few (exciting, of course)minutes the reader will be ready for practical exercises. To avoid a misstep, this book provides the entire resolution process of each excercise and its result as well. It is a true assimilation method, similar to those already used to learn languages, drawing or radio. Without producing heaviness, the mechanism of the exponential and the binary system, by numbering systems, is shown. From exponentials to radicals, which progress is made from pure algebra towards first equations, logarithms, trigonometry and first integrals. Functions of geometry, hyperbolas, parabolas, etc., will allow the reader to easily solve equations using graphs. **Do you know how to add?** This is the only essential knowledge: mathematics are simple arithmetic, but for this statement to be true it must get rid of all that is opposed to its understanding. In saying this we do not mean its natural difficulties, because they are resolved skillfully by the author. Formulas should not be memorized: the brain must not be turned into a passive registry; it must understand the "whys and wherefores." This book explains how to achieve a right formula so that, then you yourself can find those submitted within the text. **Its practical purpose** The book has been given a deliberately oriented practice and that minimum of essential theory included tends to faciltate methods that may be used any time anywhere.

Explore ancient civilizations and the scientists who shaped modern science—from Pythagoras to Al Khwarizmi—in this engaging nonfiction guide for students.

Clifford A. Pickover surveys a wide range of divination practices—from tarot and dream interpretation to historical prophecies—examining their cultural significance and claimed accuracy.

Explains how five groundbreaking equations have changed the world through their fascinating stories.