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Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction

3.88 (920 ratings by Goodreads)

By (author) Timothy Gowers

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Description

The aim of this book is to explain, carefully but not technically, the differences between advanced, research-level mathematics, and the sort of mathematics we learn at school. The most fundamental differences are philosophical, and readers of this book will emerge with a clearer understanding of paradoxical-sounding concepts such as infinity, curved space, and imaginary numbers. The first few chapters are about general aspects of mathematical thought. These are followed by discussions of more specific topics, and the book closes with a chapter answering common sociological questions about the mathematical community (such as "Is it true that mathematicians burn out at the age of 25?") ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.show more

Product details

Format Paperback | 160 pages
Dimensions 112 x 170 x 10mm | 58.97g
Publication date 28 Nov 2002
Publisher Oxford University Press
Publication City/Country Oxford, United Kingdom
Language English
Illustrations note 1 halftone and numerous figures
ISBN10 0192853619
ISBN13 9780192853615
Bestsellers rank 6,803

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About Timothy Gowers

Timothy Gowers is Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University and was a recipient of a Fields Medal for Mathematics in 1998, awarded for 'the most daring, profound and stimulating research done by young mathematicians'.show more

1. Models ; 2. Numbers and Abstraction ; 3. Proofs ; 4. Limits and Infinity ; 5. Dimension ; 6. Geometry ; 7. Estimates and Approximates ; 8. Frequently Asked Questionsshow more

Review quote

a marvellously lucid guide to the beauty and mystery of numbers * Gilbert Adair *show more

Review Text

a marvellously lucid guide to the beauty and mystery of numbers Gilbert Adairshow more

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920 ratings

3.88 out of 5 stars

5 29% (263)

4 40% (367)

3 24% (225)

2 5% (49)

1 2% (16)

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