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Numbers: A Very Short Introduction

Peter M. Higgins

24 February 2011

ISBN: 9780199584055

160 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

In this Very Short Introduction Peter M. Higgins presents an overview of the number types featured in modern science and mathematics. Providing a non-technical account, he explores the evolution of the modern number system, examines the fascinating role of primes, and explains their role in contemporary cryptography.

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Description

In this Very Short Introduction Peter M. Higgins presents an overview of the number types featured in modern science and mathematics. Providing a non-technical account, he explores the evolution of the modern number system, examines the fascinating role of primes, and explains their role in contemporary cryptography.

  • A short introduction to the number world, looking at different types of numbers and how they behave
  • Reveals the astonishing richness and variety of numbers, including primes, imaginary and complex numbers, to infinity and beyond
  • Explains how numbers interact and influence modern applications and practices, for example in the encryption of confidential data
  • Written by an experienced mathematician with a history of writing in a non-technical way

About the Author(s)

Peter M. Higgins, Professor, Dept of Mathematical Sciences, University of Essex

Table of Contents

    1:How not to think about numbers: the trouble with bases
    2:The unending series of primes
    3:Perfect and not so perfect numbers
    4:Cryptography: the secret life of the primes
    5:Numbers that count
    6:A peek below the waterline of the number iceberg
    7:To infinity and beyond
    8:Numbers but not as we know them
    Further Reading
    Index

Reviews

"coridial guide to number theory" - The Guardian

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