Keith Devlin

In 1202, a 32-year old Italian finished one of the most influential books of all time, which introduced modern arithmetic to Western Europe...

A bridge between calculus to university-level pure mathematics, deliberately kept small, unintimidating, and affordable. The earlier editions were published in 1981 and 1992; the third accounts for changes in the background of students and the environment of study.

In 2000, the Clay Foundation of Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced a historic competition: whoever could solve any of seven extraodinarily difficult mathematical problems, and have the solution acknowledged as correct by the experts, would receive $1million in prize money. The solutions, if any, to the so-called Milliennium Problems would play a strong role in determining the course of mathematics in the 21st century. They encompass many of the most fascinating areas of pure and applied mathematics, from topology and number theory to particle physics, cryptography, computing and even aircraft design. Keith Devlin describes here what the seven problems are, how they came about, and what they mean for mathematics and science. In the hands of Devlin, each Millennium Problem becomes a window onto the deepest questions in the field.

In 2000, the Clay Foundation announced a historic competition: whoever could solve any of seven extraordinarily difficult mathematical problems, and have the solution acknowledged as correct by the experts, would receive $1 million in prize money. There was some precedent for doing this: In 1900 the mathematician David Hilbert proposed twenty-three problems that set much of the agenda for mathematics in the twentieth century. The Millennium Problems--chosen by a committee of the leading mathematicians in the world--are likely to acquire similar stature, and their solution (or lack of it) is likely to play a strong role in determining the course of mathematics in the twenty-first century. Keith Devlin, renowned expositor of mathematics and one of the authors of the Clay Institute's official description of the problems, here provides the definitive account for the mathematically interested reader.

Keith Devlin consigue hacer comprensible y sencillo lo que, a menudo, se nos presenta como oculto y complejo. Así, las matemáticas son aquí presentadas como una de las facetas más ricas y activas de la cultura y la mente humanas. El lenguaje de las matematicas ofrece varios niveles de lectura; el lector comun podra acceder a sus brillantes exposiciones e incluso seguir las carificadoras demostraciones y formulaciones que apoyan el texto, con las que disfrutaran especialmente los lectores con mas conocimientos matematicos.

The definitive account of the Everests of mathematics--the seven unsolved problems that define the state of the art in contemporary math. In 2000, the Clay Foundation announced a historic competition: whoever could solve any of seven extraordinarily difficult mathematical problems, and have the solution acknowledged as correct by the experts, would receive USD1 million in prize money. There was some precedent for doing this: In 1900 the mathematician David Hilbert proposed twenty-three problems that set much of the agenda for mathematics in the twentieth century. The Millennium Problems--chosen by a committee of the leading mathematicians in the world--are likely to acquire similar stature, and their solution (or lack of it) is likely to play a strong role in determining the course of mathematics in the twenty-first century. Keith Devlin, renowned expositor of mathematics and one of the authors of the Clay Institute''s official description of the problems, here provides the definitive account for the mathematically interested reader. Note: This synopsis may refer to a different edition of this book.

In the early seventeenth century, the outcome of something as simple as a dice roll was consigned to the realm of unknowable chance. Mathematicians largely agreed that it was impossible to predict the probability of an occurrence. Then, in 1654, Blaise Pascal wrote to Pierre de Fermat explaining that he had discovered how to calculate risk. The two collaborated to develop what is now known as probability theory -- a concept that allows us to think rationally about decisions and events. In The Unfinished Game, Keith Devlin masterfully chronicles Pascal and Fermats mathematical breakthrough, connecting a centuries-old discovery with its remarkable impact on the modern world.

If people are endowed with a "number instinct" similar to the "language instinct" -- as recent research suggests -- then why cant everyone do math? In The Math Gene, mathematician and popular writer Keith Devlin attacks both sides of this question. Devlin offers a breathtakingly new theory of language development that describes how language evolved in two stages and how its main purpose was not communication. Devlin goes on to show that the ability to think mathematically arose out of the same symbol-manipulating ability that was so crucial to the very first emergence of true language. Why, then, cant we do math as well as we speak? The answer, says Devlin, is that we can and do -- we just dont recognize when were using mathematical reasoning.

The companion to the hit CBS crime series Numb3rs presents the fascinating way mathematics is used to fight real-life crime Using the popular CBS prime-time TV crime series Numb3rs as a springboard, Keith Devlin (known to millions of NPR listeners as the Math Guy on NPRs Weekend Edition with Scott Simon) and Gary Lorden (the principal math advisor to Numb3rs) explain real-life mathematical techniques used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to catch and convict criminals. From forensics to counterterrorism, the Riemann hypothesis to image enhancement, solving murders to beating casinos, Devlin and Lorden present compelling cases that illustrate how advanced mathematics can be used in state-of-the-art criminal investigations.

In the computerized world of today mathematics has had an impact on almost every aspect of our lives, yet most people believe they cannot hope to understand or enjoy the subject. This comprehensive survey sets out to show just how mistaken they are. Substantially revised and updated, this second edition takes into account recent dramatic developments and includes major new sections on Fermats Last Theorem, knots and topology, and the mathematics of the physical universe. "Devlins choice of material is excellent, and he is to be praised for the clarity and accuracy with which he presents it" - Martin Gardner in the New York Review of Books

The companion to the hit CBS crime series Numb3rs presents the fascinating way mathematics is used to fight real-life crime Using the popular CBS prime-time TV crime series Numb3rs as a springboard, Keith Devlin (known to millions of NPR listeners as the Math Guy on NPR's Weekend Edition with Scott Simon) and Gary Lorden (the principal math advisor to Numb3rs) explain real-life mathematical techniques used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to catch and convict criminals. From forensics to counterterrorism, the Riemann hypothesis to image enhancement, solving murders to beating casinos, Devlin and Lorden present compelling cases that illustrate how advanced mathematics can be used in state-of-the-art criminal investigations.

Quien se adentre en este libro descubrirá que las matemáticas son bellas; Bertrand Russell decía que «poseen una belleza interior fría y austera, una belleza abstracta en su forma y lógica en su estr