Numbers: The Universal Language

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Numbers: The Universal Language
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Denis Guedj
By (author) Lory Frankel
SeriesNew Horizons
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:176
Dimensions(mm): Height 177,Width 124
Category/GenreMathematics
History of science
ISBN/Barcode 9780500300800
ClassificationsDewey:510
Audience
General
Illustrations Illustrated throughout in colour and black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publication Date 16 February 1998
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Numbers are all around us and we take them for granted. Who first invented them? How old are they, and how were they developed? How did they come to represent abstract, universal concepts? How do they vary in different parts of the world today? Who invented algebra? Geometry? Calculus? Zero? How do these ideas affect our daily lives? This information-packed book uses clear language and over 130 illustrations to describe the basic principles of numbers - arithmetic, whole numbers, natural numbers, the concepts of zero and infinity - as well as the ways in which numbers have been used in art and other disciplines.

Author Biography

Denis Guedj is a professor of the history of science at the University of Paris-VIII, where he has also taught mathematics and film. As well as being a filmmaker and performer, he is author of numerous books on the history of mathematics and science.