Single Digits (ebook)

Argumento de Single Digits (ebook)

"A bracing mathematical adventure."--Booklist

"Chamberland makes this an entertaining and historical exposition, using wit and humor throughout. . . . Single Digits has made me appreciate the many connections between the digits one to nine and diverse areas of mathematics."--Heather Moon, Math Horizons

"A veritable potpourri of mathematical factoids, Single Digits will provide you with conversational ammunition for all manner of nerdy gatherings."--Henry Reich, creator of MinutePhysics and MinuteEarth

"Dispensing incisive, brief expositions of mathematical observations, facts, theorems, proofs, conjectures, and open problems, this cornucopia of a book ranges through geometry, number theory, combinatorics, topology, and many other areas. From the elegantly elementary to the sublimely difficult, each of its short sections is liable to stimulate an eager search for further enlightenment, whether from the internet, the library, or your own mind."--Avner Ash, coauthor of Elliptic Tales

"A survey of mathematical gems, ancient and modern, this book is certain to arouse the curiosity of anyone with even a passing interest in mathematics. Chamberland's clear explanations provide an enticing introduction to each topic and will make you want to learn more."--Jamie Pommersheim, coauthor of Number Theory

"This book describes properties associated with the numbers one to nine and connects important areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, chaos theory, and applied mathematics. Single Digits is filled with nuggets of mathematical information, compelling topics, and interesting ideas for anyone curious about the subject."--Lee Fothergill, Mount Saint Mary College

"A celebration of small numbers, Single Digits presents mathematical vignettes organized by their connection to single nonzero digits. Progressing from the elementary to the more elaborate, Chamberland brings together some really interesting mathematics, and his well-told stories will intrigue a general, knowledgeable audience."--Jennifer Quinn, University of Washington, Tacoma

"[B]oth amateur and professional mathematicians alike will find new items of interest here. . . . [A] welcome, splendid, fruitful addition to my math bookshelf."--Math Tango blog

"Chamberland takes readers on a fascinating exploration of small numbers, from one to nine, looking at their history, applications, and connections to various areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, chaos theory, numerical analysis, and mathematical physics. . . . Appealing to high-school and college students, professional mathematicians, and those mesmerized by patterns, this book shows that single digits offer a plethora of possibilities that readers can count on."--DVD, Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin

"To put it simply, this book is a delight. Chamberland (Grinnell College) has assembled a fascinating collection of vignettes, each tied to a digit from one to nine, that inform, entertain, and intrigue readers."--Choice

"[C]onsistently entertaining and well-written. . . . [Single Digits] would be an ideal gift for a high school student who might have an interest in mathematics. It’s also fun just to pick up and browse."-- William J. Satzer, MAA Reviews

"For instructors of math courses of all levels, the vignettes in Single Digits can provide a very readable introduction or jumping-off point for discussions and projects. . . . In an introductory group theory course, it would be a good exercise for students to consider perfect riffle shuffles in decks of size other than 52. Finally, a statistics class collecting and analyzing real-world data sets could consider whether Benford’s Law applies in their situation."--Matthew Welz, MAA Focus

"The collection is outright delightful. It will agitate the minds of students and shake the sense of know-all off many a professional and most of the amateurs."--Alexander Bogomolny, Cut the Knot blog

"The range of topics included virtually guarantees that any reader will find new and unfamiliar material to enjoy. . . . [Single Digits] is a very enjoyable book which, at many points, makes some very deep mathematics quite accessible. Highly recommended."--Keith Johnson, CMS Notes

"Chamberland . . . produces a fascinating, compact set of entries on mathematical problems, conjectures, and theorems. This wonderful book never loses its focus or momentum."--Publishers Weekly, starred review0