Adventures in Group Theory: Rubik's Cube, Merlin's Machine, and Other Mathematical Toys

Joyner, David

ISBN 10: 0801890136 / ISBN 13: 9780801890130

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008

About this Item

8vo (22.5 cm), XVIII, 310 pp. Laminated wrappers. "This updated and revised edition of David Joyner's entertaining "hands-on" tour of group theory and abstract algebra brings life, levity, and practicality to the topics through mathematical toys. Joyner uses permutation puzzles such as the Rubik's Cube and its variants, the 15 puzzle, the Rainbow Masterball, Merlin's Machine, the Pyraminx, and the Skewb to explain the basics of introductory algebra and group theory. Subjects covered include the Cayley graphs, symmetries, isomorphisms, wreath products, free groups, and finite fields of group theory, as well as algebraic matrices, combinatorics, and permutations. Featuring strategies for solving the puzzles and computations illustrated using the SAGE open-source computer algebra system, the second edition of Adventures in Group Theory is perfect for mathematics enthusiasts and for use as a supplementary textbook." (from the blurb).

Seller Inventory # 008265

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Adventures in Group Theory: Rubik's Cube, Merlin's Machine, and Other Mathematical Toys
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801890136
• ISBN 13: 9780801890130
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New
• Seller catalogs:
  • Mathematics

About this title

Synopsis

This updated and revised edition of David Joyner’s entertaining "hands-on" tour of group theory and abstract algebra brings life, levity, and practicality to the topics through mathematical toys.

Joyner uses permutation puzzles such as the Rubik’s Cube and its variants, the 15 puzzle, the Rainbow Masterball, Merlin’s Machine, the Pyraminx, and the Skewb to explain the basics of introductory algebra and group theory. Subjects covered include the Cayley graphs, symmetries, isomorphisms, wreath products, free groups, and finite fields of group theory, as well as algebraic matrices, combinatorics, and permutations.

Featuring strategies for solving the puzzles and computations illustrated using the SAGE open-source computer algebra system, the second edition of Adventures in Group Theory is perfect for mathematics enthusiasts and for use as a supplementary textbook.

About the Author

David Joyner is a professor in the Mathematics Department at the U.S. Naval Academy. He is the author of Adventures in Group Theory: Rubik's Cube, Merlin's Machine, and Other Mathematical Toys, also published by Johns Hopkins.