In 'Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension,' mathematician Matt Parker invites readers into a fascinating exploration of higher dimensions through playful activities and intriguing puzzles. Combining humor with insightful explanations, Parker demystifies complex mathematical concepts, making them accessible to everyone. Each chapter presents creative projects, from constructing time-traveling devices to visualizing spacetime itself. This book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to see the world in a whole new light. Prepare to expand your mind and engage with mathematics like never before!
By Matt Parker
Published: 2015
""Mathematics is not just about numbers; it's a playground of ideas that stretches the imagination and challenges our perception of reality.""
A revolutionary book from the stand-up mathematician that makes math fun again—now in paperback! Math is boring, says the mathematician and comedian Matt Parker. Part of the problem may be the way the subject is taught, but it's also true that we all, to a greater or lesser extent, find math difficult and counterintuitive. This counterintuitiveness is actually part of the point, argues Parker: the extraordinary thing about math is that it allows us to access logic and ideas beyond what our brains can instinctively do—through its logical tools we are able to reach beyond our innate abilities and grasp more and more abstract concepts. In the absorbing and exhilarating Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension, Parker sets out to convince his readers to revisit the very math that put them off the subject as fourteen-year-olds. Starting with the foundations of math familiar from school (numbers, geometry, and algebra), he takes us on a grand tour, from four dimensional shapes, knot theory, the mysteries of prime numbers, optimization algorithms, and the math behind barcodes and iPhone screens to the different kinds of infinity—and slightly beyond. Both playful and sophisticated, Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension is filled with captivating games and puzzles, a buffet of optional hands-on activities that entice us to take pleasure in mathematics at all levels. Parker invites us to relearn much of what baffled us in school and, this time, to be utterly enthralled by it.
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“"Mathematics is not just about numbers; it's a playground of ideas that stretches the imagination and challenges our perception of reality."”
Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension
By Matt Parker
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Matt Parker is a renowned author, mathematician, and comedian, celebrated for his ability to make mathematics engaging and accessible to a broad audience. Best known for his works including 'Humans 2.0', 'The Maths Handbook', and 'Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension', Parker's writing often blends humor with insightful commentary on mathematical concepts, drawing readers into a world where numbers and creativity intersect. Known for his dynamic presentation style, Parker frequently uses anecdotes and visual aids to illustrate intricate ideas, making complex topics understandable and entertaining.
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