This book discusses the aesthetics of mathematics by way of personal detail brought forward by the author to show us just what goes on in the mind of a mathematician. The author certainly understands the student psyche as he offers all the information they require at the correct level that suits the books purpose which is to inform students what to expect when starting out studying for a Maths degree, while explaining much of the advanced Maths language. You would need to be pretty sure Spivak was a good idea in the case of your particular 14 year old, though. In so doing, the common less efficient approach is first mentioned and then the effective strategy is shown.

It looks like a bog-standard pop maths compilation, but it’s packed full of really interesting stuff. Stanley Farlow’s 2014 “Paradoxes in Mathematics” (paperback from Dover), is a quick overview of ~30 classic paradoxes/problems that are a great, fun introduction to mathematical thinking for a young person. Keith Devlin, the author of Mathematics the New Golden Age, incorporates the psychology of Maths into his writing as Maths is an integral part of understanding who we are and the world we inhabit. Uncle Albert and his intrepid niece, Gedanken, enter the dangerous and unknown world of a thought bubble. Those who are hoping to work or study in the scientific arena will be sure to find this edition of great use as it provides the basis of Mathematical techniques for people with scientific leanings.In this book, David Wells explores the fascinating connections between games and mathematics, proving that mathematics is not just about tedious calculation but imagination, insight and intuition. Written by Robert Kanigel the Man Who Knew Infinity goes into great detail regarding Ramaujan's origins in Madras through to the obviously alien setting of Cambridge. We can learn a thing or two from Sarah's disposition, while success could not have come to a more unpretentious person. In this book, Professor Ogilvy demonstrates the mathematical challenege and satisfaction to be had from geometry, the only requirement being two simple implements (straight-edge and compass) and a little thought.

Professor John E Littlewood is the man in question who takes us through what academic life when it comes to maths entails. The author of The Music of the Primes relates how many mathematicians over the years have tried to solve the problem plus the human cost and endeavour that went into it. It's fascinating to read how mathematics has evolved and changed over the centuries going right back to Ancient Egypt through time to Plato, Aristotle and through to the present day. Subjects such as methods and theories are discussed and explained clearly while the book perfect for the beginner as it doesn't get too bogged down with technicalities that may confuse the student before they even get started on their degree.and amicable numbers, coin puzzles, picnicking bears and pentominoes, to building shapes with cubes. The Cambridge undergraduate mathematics course, known as the Mathematical Tripos , is internationally renowned.

The Code book is written by Simon Singh author of Fermat's Last Theorem a book we have also covered in this article. In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. itdoesn'tmatterifitdoesn'tfollowtheAlevelsyllabusasIamlearningto Paul Hoffman the author of the book tells us of a man obsessed with numbers who thought about nothing else for nineteen hours a day relating everything he thought about in terms of numbers.

Despite its worthy cover this book is exactly what its title says - a story - and the plot of this story involves life, death and revolutions of understanding and belief. Students considering studying Maths or a related subject at university might be interested in the Cambridge Mathematical Reading List, which contains a wide range of suggested books including historical, recreational and technical maths books. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles. Fermat's Last Theorem is a theorem that had puzzled mathematicians and scientists for almost four hundred years.