Customer Reviews (5)

Exellent and Comprehensive History of Counting
The Universal History of Numbers is the most comprehensive book I have come across on the subject by quite some way, and I have probably read over 100. The style of writing makes the book easy to read, and it assumesalmost no prior knowledge. Having said that the book is not exactly lightbed time reading, there are nearly 650 large pages of quite small writing.It would take a *very* dedicated or interested reader to tackle the bookfrom cover to cover. In my opinion it is best to read the introduction andfirst one or two chapters, and then to dip into the bits of the book youare particularly interested in. Because of this the book would not be thefirst I would recomend as an introduction to the subject, try Graham Flegg- Numbers: Their history and meaning, although I would not discourageanyone from buying the book either.

As a resource for Teachers ofmathematics the book is excellent. It covers the number system of almostevery concievable culture and any teacher with the slightest imaginationcould use the information in an interesting way in the classroom.

Thebook covers a lot of information which is not dealt with by the standardenglish language history of mathematics books, and as such is an invaluableresource for anyone with an interest in the subject.

One thing Iparticularly liked about the book was that it gave various differenttheories for each question, for instance 'What is the origin of 'our'numerals?', and the reasons for and against each. This was veryinteresting, as well as helping to explain why historians belive what theybelieve.

The only criticism of this book I have is to do with itsphysical contruction. The pages are thin, and so is the cover, so it isvery bendy, I would have prefered a hardback edition. However if it keepsthe price down.

To sum up this is an excellent book, and an invaluableaddition to the collection of anyone with an interest in mathematics, it'shistory or it's teaching.

A firstand a very comprehensive book on numbers
I have been doing my own research on numbers for years but there were so many missing piece. This book is so complete that any numerologist should have this as a part of their collection.

more than the sum of its parts
A rating of my appreciation of Bill Clinton over the past eight years, on a scale of 0 to 10? No, just an excellent book on the history of the concept of numbers and mathematical structures. Really nicely done andlavishly illustrated (by the author, no less)--and generally quiteunderstandable to the layman. I'll always remember its point about thehuman brain not being able to recognize more than about four items at aglance. It got a little sprawly and opaque towards the end, but anythingthat makes base-20 systems comprehensible to me is a miracle.--J.Ruch

Excellent! Traces the history of Indian (Hindu) Numerals
The best book on history of numbers - ever!It traces the roots of our modern decimal system to India and provides details on how the symbols for all the current digits came from the original devanagari script ...

Best book ever written on numbers
This may be the best book ever written on numbers (covering whatever "numbers" recall to you). An alternative, cross-cultural study that easly substitudes for any book on number theory and history of mathematics. Full of descriptive examples from up to thousands of centuries past and any place you can imagine on earth. The publication company I work for prepared a Turkish edition of this book which is already one of the bestsellers in Turkey only a few weeks after its publication date. Ozgur Kurtulus (ozgur@tubitak.gov.tr) ... Read more

Product Description

Numbers have fascinated people for centuries. They are familiar to everyone, forming a central pillar of our understanding of the world, yet the number system was not presented to us "gift-wrapped" but, rather, was developed over millennia. Today, despite all this development, it remains true that a child may ask a question about numbers that no one can answer. Many unsolved problems surrounding number matters appear as quirky oddities of little account while others are holding up fundamental progress in mainstream mathematics.

Peter Higgins distills centuries of work into one delightful narrative that celebrates the mystery of numbers and explains how different kinds of numbers arose and why they are useful. Full of historical snippets and interesting examples, the book ranges from simple number puzzles and magic tricks, to showing how ideas about numbers relate to real-world problems, such as: How are our bank account details kept secure when shopping over the internet? What are the chances of winning at Russian roulette; or of being dealt a flush in a poker hand?

This fascinating book will inspire and entertain readers across a range of abilities. Easy material is blended with more challenging ideas about infinity and complex numbers, and a final chapter "For Connoisseurs" works through some of the particular claims and examples in the book in mathematical language for those who appreciate a complete explanation.

As our understanding of numbers continues to evolve, this book invites us to rediscover the mystery and beauty of numbers and reminds us that the story of numbers is a tale with a long way to run...

Customer Reviews (2)

Number Story is Wonder Story
This book has nothing wrong with it except a few typos.It's a well-written entry into higher math.Every chapter could be the summary of a PhD thesis.Yet, it's for you and me.I never got further than college statistics, yet, with a willingness to focus, I can roughly follow what Mr. Higgins is talking about.On the other hand, if I really knew my math, I'd be soaring into all sorts of mathematical heights and details.I personally loved the chapter on cryptography.Mr. Higgins tell the story of this fascinating field, which originated from war-time necessity.His simple non-mathematical explanations seduced me into actually delving with him into deeper math.So if you're like me, this chapter alone was worth the read.If you are a real mathematician, oh man, you'll follow all the math, and be so glad you read this book.

Classic
The book is a classic.It is well written.It is a joy to read.Do you know the story of numbers?Read the book, and find out.The author, in a delightful style of writing, explains the story of numbers.Peter Higgins, I feel, can get his information across to the reader so they'll understand it.You'll say to yourself, over and over again, that makes sense, how come in the past no one could explain it to me in this manner?There are professors, then there are Professors, Peter Higgins deserves the title of Professor of Mathematics.

These are my feelings, and I read the book with an open mind.Every now and then I'll re-read a chapter, or I'll dive into the chapter "For Connoisseurs."In the end, it's a classic. ... Read more

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The main idea behind this text may be outlined by showing in which way ergodic theory can be useful for problems arising from number theory. ... Read more

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A practical music technique for musicians, singers, and songwriters who play by ear. Nashville musicians supposedly don't read music, but their education did get asd far as numbers. Roy Acuff writes: "The number system has been developed over the course of many years. This book explains the system in plain language and will be a valuable tool for anyone who is interested in playing Country and Western music." ... Read more

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An accessible introduction to abstract mathematics with an emphasis on proof writing

Addressing the importance of constructing and understanding mathematical proofs, Fundamentals of Mathematics: An Introduction to Proofs, Logic, Sets, and Numbers introduces key concepts from logic and set theory as well as the fundamental definitions of algebra to prepare readers for further study in the field of mathematics. The author supplies a seamless, hands-on presentation of number systems, utilizing key elements of logic and set theory and encouraging readers to abide by the fundamental rule that you are not allowed to use any results that you have not proved yet.

The book begins with a focus on the elements of logic used in everyday mathematical language, exposing readers to standard proof methods and Russell's Paradox. Once this foundation is established, subsequent chapters explore more rigorous mathematical exposition that outlines the requisite elements of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory and constructs the natural numbers and integers as well as rational, real, and complex numbers in a rigorous, yet accessible manner. Abstraction is introduced as a tool, and special focus is dedicated to concrete, accessible applications, such as public key encryption, that are made possible by abstract ideas. The book concludes with a self-contained proof of Abel's Theorem and an investigation of deeper set theory by introducing the Axiom of Choice, ordinal numbers, and cardinal numbers.

Throughout each chapter, proofs are written in much detail with explicit indications that emphasize the main ideas and techniques of proof writing. Exercises at varied levels of mathematical development allow readers to test their understanding of the material, and a related Web site features video presentations for each topic, which can be used along with the book or independently for self-study.

Classroom-tested to ensure a fluid and accessible presentation, Fundamentals of Mathematics is an excellent book for mathematics courses on proofs, logic, and set theory at the upper-undergraduate level as well as a supplement for transition courses that prepare students for the rigorous mathematical reasoning of advanced calculus, real analysis, and modern algebra. The book is also a suitable reference for professionals in all areas of mathematics education who are interested in mathematical proofs and the foundation upon which all mathematics is built.

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Customer Reviews (12)

Good work book
Wipe Clean Numbers (Wipe Clean Learning Books)

There are several Priddy wipe clean books. All the ones we have are nice work books. Not only do they have the numbers to trace or copy but there are other items with similar shapes so it stays interesting to trace. We bought them used so the markers were depleted but after a trip to the store we were ready to go. This is good for beginner writing. After they learn to write it is a little boring. But when just learning they are perfect.

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL!
I got this for my 4 year old daughter who loves to write her numbers from 1-10. This is helping her alot learning how to write them too. It's really fun for her and educational! And you can wipe it clean and reuse it! I will be getting more of these.

My little girl loves this book!
My 28 month old daughter loves this book!She has an early love of both letters and numbers.Although she doesn't yet have the motor skills to write the numbers, she is still using the marker (and holding it correctly!) for marking off the items as she counts, and she also loves when we write the numbers for her. She understands the concepts used in the book, such as "find all of the number 3's" and "Which ones have 2 legs?" she works very hard at using the marker to circle the correct answers.She is absolutely facinated with this book, so I definitely intend to buy the a-b-c version for her as well.

Good product
My 3 year-old daughter really likes to practice her numbers, and the product does indeed wipe clean after she is finished.The only downside is that the marker will stain furniture and/or clothes, so we have to supervise pretty closely when she is using this book.It is a very good product overall, however, and I will be purchasing the 'Letters' companion book as well.

Kids love it!
I bought this for my 3 yr. old daughter to keep her entertained on an airplane trip.She loved it, and so did her older and younger brothers.It had a variety of activities to reinforce numbers and to associate them with quantities.I love it because it isn't messy and she can use other colors of dry erase markers with the book.The marker wipes off with a tissue, paper towel or an old sock. ... Read more

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Student Math Textbook. ... Read more

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The time delays in controllers and actuators can either deteriorate or improve the dynamic performance of a controlled mechanical system. Thus, it is desirable to gain an insight into the effect of time delays on the dynamics of a practical system in its design phase. This monograph represents the recent advances in system modeling, analysis of stability, robust stability and bifurcation by using some new mathematical tools such as generalized Sturm criterion and Dixon's resultant elimination of polynomials. The theoretical results are demonstrated through a number of examples of active vehicle chassis, structure control, as well as the control of chaos of mechanical systems. ... Read more

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Explore the main algebraic structures and number systems that play a central role across the field of mathematics

Algebra and number theory are two powerful branches of modern mathematics at the forefront of current mathematical research, and each plays an increasingly significant role in different branches of mathematics, from geometry and topology to computing and communications. Based on the authors' extensive experience within the field, Algebra and Number Theory has an innovative approach that integrates three disciplines—linear algebra, abstract algebra, and number theory—into one comprehensive and fluid presentation, facilitating a deeper understanding of the topic and improving readers' retention of the main concepts.

The book begins with an introduction to the elements of set theory. Next, the authors discuss matrices, determinants, and elements of field theory, including preliminary information related to integers and complex numbers. Subsequent chapters explore key ideas relating to linear algebra such as vector spaces, linear mapping, and bilinear forms. The book explores the development of the main ideas of algebraic structures and concludes with applications of algebraic ideas to number theory.

Interesting applications are provided throughout to demonstrate the relevance of the discussed concepts. In addition, chapter exercises allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material.

Algebra and Number Theory is an excellent book for courses on linear algebra, abstract algebra, and number theory at the upper-undergraduate level. It is also a valuable reference for researchers working in different fields of mathematics, computer science, and engineering as well as for individuals preparing for a career in mathematics education.

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Quantum mechanics and relativity have been in structural conflict for eighty years. This work shows that the incompatibility in question stems only from the assumption that their unification must be based on the field of complex numbers. Dropping this assumption, one can derive a simple mathematical structure which subsumes both theories as special cases. While the idea of generalizing the number system of quantum mechanics to make structural room for relativity is very old, no attempt has been successful in the past. The novelty brought out in the present work is based on a self-evident observation: there is no reason to expect the development of mathematics and physics to be synchronized in a manner that would keep the former forever one step ahead of the latter. More specifically, if a new number system seems to be needed in physics, there is no reason to believe that this system already belongs to our mathematical heritage.This observation changes the nature of the problem from 'finding' a unifying number system among the algebras already studied by mathematicians, to 'discovering' it ab initio from the requirement that it should lead to a structural merging of quantum mechanics and relativity. The solution, named "algebra of quantions", is derived in this book from several viewpoints, together with proofs of its mathematical uniqueness. Its physical relevance stems from the fact that the Standard Model depends less on observations if formulated over the quantions. This work is a philosophical and technical introduction to the algebra of quantions, to quantionic analysis, and to quantionic field equations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A New Milestone In The Evolution Of Mathematics Textbooks
This remarkable book, prepared under the general editorship of Harvard-professor David V. Widder, contains an original approach to basic logic and a novel axiomatic treatment of the real number system.

Written and formatted in an extraordinarily clear, concise, precise, and readable manner, this unique work provides invaluable training in logical and creative thinking. It is ideal for beginning mathematicians, logicians, scientists, and engineers.
... Read more

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This photocopiable activity book is intended for use during the daily maths lesson in Year 1 and focuses on place value and ordering, estimating, fractions and decimals. It is one of a series which covers the first strand of the framework for teaching mathematics from Reception to Year 6, with one book for each primary school year. It aims to develop pupils' confidence and consolidate their understanding of numbers and the number system. ... Read more