A balanced and clearly explained treatment of infinity in mathematics. The concept of infinity has fascinated and confused mankind for centuries with concepts and ideas that cause even seasoned mathematicians to wonder. For instance, the idea that a set is infinite if it is not a finite set is an elementary concept that jolts our common sense and imagination. the Mathematics of Infinity: A guide to Great Ideas uniquely explores how we can manipulate these ideas when our common sense rebels at the conclusions we are ...
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A balanced and clearly explained treatment of infinity in mathematics. The concept of infinity has fascinated and confused mankind for centuries with concepts and ideas that cause even seasoned mathematicians to wonder. For instance, the idea that a set is infinite if it is not a finite set is an elementary concept that jolts our common sense and imagination. the Mathematics of Infinity: A guide to Great Ideas uniquely explores how we can manipulate these ideas when our common sense rebels at the conclusions we are drawing. Writing with clear knowledge and affection for the subject, the author introduces and explores infinite sets, infinite cardinals, and ordinals, thus challenging the readers' intuitive beliefs about infinity. Requiring little mathematical training and a healthy curiosity, the book presents a user-friendly approach to ideas involving the infinite. readers will discover the main ideas of infinite cardinals and ordinal numbers without experiencing in-depth mathematical rigor. Classic arguments and illustrative examples are provided throughout the book and are accompanied by a gradual progression of sophisticated notions designed to stun your intuitive view of the world. With a thoughtful and balanced treatment of both concepts and theory, The Mathematics of Infinity focuses on the following topics: * Sets and Functions * Images and Preimages of Functions * Hilbert's Infinite Hotel * Cardinals and Ordinals * The Arithmetic of Cardinals and Ordinals * the Continuum Hypothesis * Elementary Number Theory * The Riemann Hypothesis * The Logic of Paradoxes Recommended as recreational reading for the mathematically inquisitive or as supplemental reading for curious college students, the Mathematics of Infinity: A Guide to Great Ideas gently leads readers into the world of counterintuitive mathematics.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in None as issued jacket. Size: 10x7x0; Brand new book in publisher's shrink wrap. Large tear on front of shrink wrap, book is in perfect condition. Books, box sets, and items other than standard jewel case CDs and DVDs that sell for $9 or more ship in a box; under $9 in a bubble mailer. Expedited and international orders may ship in a flat rate envelope rather than a box due to cost constraints. All US-addressed items ship with complimentary delivery confirmation.
This could serve as a textbook on the subject of Infinity, the historical conflicts regarding same, and the various mathematical tools/methods at our disposal that help us arrive at infinity. The book provides an overview of these tools (set theory, etc) needed to use these approaches but, honestly, a background or inclination in mathematics would be helpful. Then again, folks likely to purchase this book probably have more than a passing interest in mathematical topics.
