The Grapes of Math

June 1, 2014

Much to the detriment of most students, school mathematics courses are mainly devoted to drilling the necessary arithmetic and algebraic skills needed in later coursework and in scientific and economic applications. As a result, many compelling and occasionally astonishing mathematical results are simply not seen and nonmathematicians cannot understand the fascination of the subject. In this well-written and entertaining book, Guardian math blogger Bellos tries to fill that void by exposing the reader to a selection of such topics. A solid example is seen in the sections on the properties of geometric figures. About 60 years ago, analytic geometry was subsumed into standard calculus courses and much of the material in chapters three, four, five, and eight largely disappeared from the standard curriculum. As later chapters get into trigonometry, exponentials, and the polar representation of complex numbers, some of the material can be tough sledding. On the other hand, the final section on the "game of life" and related topics requires no mathematical tools other than a willingness to think. VERDICT An excellent book on what could be called "mathematics appreciation." Particularly recommended to curious adults and to any student starting out in secondary school mathematics.--Harold D. Shane, emeritus, Baruch Coll., CUNY

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