Origami, Eleusis, and the Soma Cube: Martin Gardner's Mathematical Diversions: 2 (The New Martin Gardner Mathematical Library, Series Number 2) - Hardcover

Gardner, Martin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521756103 ISBN 13: 9780521756105

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Martin Gardner continues to delight. He introduces readers to the Generalized Ham Sandwich Theorem, origami, digital roots, magic squares, the mathematics of cooling coffee, the induction game of Eleusis, Dudeney puzzles, the maze at Hampton Court Palace, and many more mathematical puzzles and principles. Origami, Eleusis, and the Soma Cube is the second volume in Martin Gardner's New Mathematical Library, based on his enormously popular Scientific American columns. Now the author, in consultation with experts, has added updates to all the chapters, including new game variations, mathematical proofs, and other developments and discoveries, to challenge and fascinate a new generation of readers.

About this title

Review:

'Martin Gardner's fifteen volumes about Mathematical Games are The Canon - timeless classics that are always worth reading and rereading.' Don Knuth

'Hexaflexagons, Probability Paradoxes, and the Tower of Hanoi and Origami, Eleusis, and the Soma Cube provide a taste of Gardner's prowess at devising quirky and fascinating mathematical conundrums. An excellent example is the 'generalised ham-sandwich theorem', which, among other things, explains how a doughnut can be sliced into 13 pieces by three simultaneous plane cuts.' Physics World

'I recommend you approach this book on a Sunday afternoon, with paper and pen, a few biscuits for brain-power and a good hour to spare for puzzling. It is worth it.' Charlotte Mulcare, Plus Magazine

'One of Gardner's real strengths as a writer of popular mathematics is his ability to choose topics that will appeal to the general public while also having some real mathematical content. ... Like the first volume, this one is in the 'must have' category.' MAA Reviews

'... presents plenty of well-known and some less well-known mathematical problems. ... The presentation of problems is completed with many illustrative pictures and photos in every chapter. It is possible to find traditional solutions of every problem and also some newer views, explanations and proofs of solved problems.' EMS Newsletter

'The ten chapters in this volume are a wonderful part of Martin Gardener's work, each updated with selections from the enormous correspondence he enjoyed with his readers. This collection of Gardener's writing should be a cornerstone of a personal library for mathematicians, teachers and students everywhere.' Mathematical Reviews

Book Description:

This is the second of the updated collection of Mathematical Games from Martin Gardner, the king of recreational mathematics. As well as the classic puzzles, Gardner has updated all the chapters to challenge and fascinate a new generation of readers. If you like Martin Gardner, you'll love these books.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521756103
• ISBN 13: 9780521756105
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 248