Geometric Folding Algorithms: Linkages, Origami, Polyhedra

Demaine, Erik D./ O'Rourke, Joseph

ISBN 10: 0521715229 / ISBN 13: 9780521715225

Published by Cambridge Univ Pr, 2008

About this Item

1st edition. 496 pages. 10.00x7.00x1.00 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # x-0521715229

Bibliographic Details

Title: Geometric Folding Algorithms: Linkages, ...

Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Publication Date: 2008

Binding: Paperback

Condition: Brand New

About this title

Synopsis:

Did you know that any straight-line drawing on paper can be folded so that the complete drawing can be cut out with one straight scissors cut? That there is a planar linkage that can trace out any algebraic curve, or even 'sign your name'? Or that a 'Latin cross' unfolding of a cube can be refolded to 23 different convex polyhedra? Over the past decade, there has been a surge of interest in such problems, with applications ranging from robotics to protein folding. With an emphasis on algorithmic or computational aspects, this treatment gives hundreds of results and over 60 unsolved 'open problems' to inspire further research. The authors cover one-dimensional (1D) objects (linkages), 2D objects (paper), and 3D objects (polyhedra). Aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics or computer science, this lavishly illustrated book will fascinate a broad audience, from school students to researchers.

Review:

'Demaine and O'Rourke are among the best-qualified authors for a book on this subject; and the book that they have written is a delight ... it is exceptionally clear and readable. It could be read for pleasure by any mathematics undergraduate, and much of it (though not all) by amateurs with a high school mathematics background ... although there are sections that some amateurs will skip, the level is always kept as elementary as locally possible. This book should be in all university libraries, and many professional and amateur mathematicians will want to add it to their personal collections.' Robert Dawson (Halifax), Zentralblatt Math

'This book is one of those rare mathematics books that I had a hard time putting down. I wanted to keep reading to find the next insight. ... This is a serious mathematics book whose explorations have significant applications and real mathematical profundity, wonderfully mixed with some fun recreational mathematics. ... The book has a useful index and an extensive bibliography, so when you finish reading, it will remain a valuable resource far into the future. There is a lot of material in this book and it is really a lot of fun. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in folding mathematics.' MAA Reviews

'The authors explain step-by-step interesting solutions of some folding problems. This splendidly illustrated book can be interesting for advanced undergraduate students in mathematics and computer science as well as for geometers and computer specialists who can find many new ideas and impulses ...' EMS Newsletter