The fascination of Maths thread

[BrilloPad]

Quite a few years ago I was in the pub, drinking with some Fine Art students from the local poly. I told them that I could show them a one-sided piece of paper, and of course one of them insisted it wasn't possible, betting a pint against me.

So I proceeded to make a Mobius strip and, to his credit, he paid up.

But I think he learned that he should never again argue with a geek claiming to be able to do the impossible in a smoke-filled pub... at least, not on a student grant

Some friends of mine at lunch - one of them did the silver-silver, silver-gold, gold-gold card thing(draw one of three at random - it is gold - what are odds other side is gold). The other swore odds were 1 in 2 - only realized his mistake next day. cost him a pavaroti.

[Badger]

Now cut it in half down the middle.

Did that

And cut around one edge to create a 2 connected strips

[NickFitz]

Did that

And cut around one edge to create a 2 connected strips

It's a great life being a contractor in a hotel bedroom, isn't it?

[NickFitz]

Did that

And cut around one edge to create a 2 connected strips

Don't forget to try two twists, three twists, etc...

[Badger]

It's a great life being a contractor in a hotel bedroom, isn't it?

Yes, yes it is

[BrowneIssue]

I've just read "e: the story of a Number" by E. Maor. Highly recommended.

I finished it a few days ago.

I asked for it as a prezzy based on your recommendation.

I did OK until Chapter 14. Then he went too fast.

It was a very interesting read.

Fortunately, I was damn good at Pure Matchs and did it to A Level otherwise I would have got stuck quite a bit earlier.

I also would recommend it.

[sasguru]

Glad you liked it.
If you want to move on with the popular maths books look for stuff by Paul J. Nahin. But be warned some of his books require considerably more mathematical sophistication - read the forewords to find out.
You might also like "The Pleasures of Counting" by Korner - which is suitable for about A-level standard - some fascinating stuff in there.
And of course if the Maths bug has really gripped you, get Spivak's Calculus

[AtW]

And of course if the Maths bug has really gripped you, get Spivak's Calculus

Cpivak's Spartacus

[minestrone]

Jesus, people actually read maths book for relaxation?

[AtW]

Jesus, people actually read maths book for relaxation?

Yes. Don't call me Jesus though.