Fractals, Googols, and Other Mathematical Tales

A treasure trove of stories that make mathematical ideas come to life. Explores math concepts and topics such as real numbers, exponents, dimensions, the golden rectangle in both serious and humorous ways. Stories such as the parable of p, the number line that fell apart, Leonhard the magic turtle and many others offer an amusing and entertaining way to explore and share mathematical ideas regardless of age or background. The reference section following each story is designed as enrichment information for the concepts presented in each story.

Autorentext

Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson.

Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Paperbacks. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Finnish, French, Slovakian, Czech, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Thai, simplified and traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Spanish.

In 2000 Pappas received the Excellence in Achievement Award from the University of California Alumni Association for her work on books and other innovative products that deal with mathematics. She lives in Palo Alto, CA.