The Numbers Behind Numb3rs: Solving Crime with Mathematics - Softcover

Keith J. Devlin; Gary Lorden

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0452288576 ISBN 13: 9780452288577

Publisher: Plume Books, 2007

Synopsis

The companion to the hit CBS crime series Numb3rs presents the fascinating way mathematics is used to fight real-life crime

Using the popular CBS prime-time TV crime series Numb3rs as a springboard, Keith Devlin (known to millions of NPR listeners as “the Math Guy” on NPR’s Weekend Edition with Scott Simon) and Gary Lorden (the principal math advisor to Numb3rs) explain real-life mathematical techniques used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to catch and convict criminals. From forensics to counterterrorism, the Riemann hypothesis to image enhancement, solving murders to beating casinos, Devlin and Lorden present compelling cases that illustrate how advanced mathematics can be used in state-of-the-art criminal investigations.

About this title

Review:

As a teacher, I became intrigued with the TV series. As a mentor to several young math teachers, I encouraged them to select clips from the episodes to demonstrate to HS students that there were many applications of the math concepts they were learning in class. The book is rather complex unless one is really into numbers and how they apply to todays world. --By Lauralee Barton on 13 March 2015

I watch the show when I have the chance. Someone gave it to me as a Christmas gift and to be honest I really wasn't going to read it but I was on vacation and bored. Imagine my surprise when I couldn't put it down. It explains the math techniques used by law enforcement agencies to catch criminals. It's written in a matter of fact way and doesn't get bogged down with math theory. It shows how math can be applied to real life. As an elementary math teacher, I use the show to get my students excited about math...that yes, in fact we do use math everyday without realizing it. It makes it real for my students and the majority of my students love math as much as I do. I'd like to point out that this method doesn't solve crimes but it just points you in the direction of possible suspects. Only a confession or evidence can convict..a person of a crime. I would definitely recommend the book. --By Stampedecheer98 on 19 January 2010

An odd book, but, nevertheless, as good as any Sherlock Holmes tale you will ever read. Detective themes and challenges for those of us inclined to be curious and intellectual simultaneously. Better clear your schedule for the day you start reading this book because you will not be able to put it down. --By Dr.G. on 16 August 2014

About the Author:

KEITH DEVLIN is a regular contributor to NPR’s Weekend Edition. He is the executive director of Stanford University’s Center for the Study of Language and Information and a consulting professor of mathematics at Stanford.
GARY LORDEN is the main mathematics consultant for the CBS TV show Numb3rs and a professor of mathematics at CalTech in Pasadena, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Plume Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0452288576
• ISBN 13: 9780452288577
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256