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New Scientist: Instant Expert
How Numbers Work: Discover the strange and beautiful world of mathematics
Discover the incredible connection between numbers and reality itself!
Think of a number between one and ten
No, hang on, let's make this interesting. Between zero and infinity . Even if you stick to the whole numbers, there are a lot to choose from - an infinite number in fact. Throw in decimal fractions and infinity suddenly gets an awful lot bigger (is that even possible?) And then there are the negative numbers, the imaginary numbers, the irrational numbers like p which never end. It literally never ends.
The world of numbers is indeed strange and beautiful. Among its inhabitants are some really notable characters - pi, e, the square root of minus two and the famous golden ratio to name just a few. Prime numbers occupy a special status. Zero is very odd indeed. And even some apparently common-or-garden integers such as 37 have special properties.
How Numbers Work takes a tour of this mind-blowing but beautiful world of numbers and the mathematical rules that connect them. Find out mathematicians' favorite numbers, and the ones they are afraid of (spoiler: it isn't 13). Discover the incredible connection between numbers and the rules of nature. And learn some amazing mathematical tricks that will keep you amused for hours.
Think of a number between one and ten
No, hang on, let's make this interesting. Between zero and infinity . Even if you stick to the whole numbers, there are a lot to choose from - an infinite number in fact. Throw in decimal fractions and infinity suddenly gets an awful lot bigger (is that even possible?) And then there are the negative numbers, the imaginary numbers, the irrational numbers like p which never end. It literally never ends.
The world of numbers is indeed strange and beautiful. Among its inhabitants are some really notable characters - pi, e, the square root of minus two and the famous golden ratio to name just a few. Prime numbers occupy a special status. Zero is very odd indeed. And even some apparently common-or-garden integers such as 37 have special properties.
How Numbers Work takes a tour of this mind-blowing but beautiful world of numbers and the mathematical rules that connect them. Find out mathematicians' favorite numbers, and the ones they are afraid of (spoiler: it isn't 13). Discover the incredible connection between numbers and the rules of nature. And learn some amazing mathematical tricks that will keep you amused for hours.
224 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
134 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 25, 2023
Have you ever felt so fulfilled after finishing a book? this book did it for me. It's rather a short book though I really did take my time with this one (since I'm a poly reader). Been updating bits of my annotations which can be found in my activities/reading progress and OMG? It's brief and though its more on the history of maths, it did explains the workings behind it well. Definitely suggest reading this together with Tegmark's Our Mathematical Universe.
What to expect: The title really explains what this book is about but in bite size
(deducted 1 star bcs I would appreciate if some parts got more details).
What to expect: The title really explains what this book is about but in bite size
(deducted 1 star bcs I would appreciate if some parts got more details).
May 17, 2019
This is a delightful book that takes the reader on an insightful overview of the world of mathematics. From statistics and probability to Fermat's theorem, the contributors seek to provide a layperson's understanding of common, esoteric and unsolved issues in the realm of numbers.
While this book is not going to endow you with the prowess to easily generate prime numbers, it will introduce you to some of the current and historical players who have done groundbreaking work in the field. There are sections that deal with some of the unsolved mysteries that have plagued mathematicians for years, and explains how some puzzles were eventually solved. Accompanied with a list of topics for future reading, this is an excellent primer for any curious minds.
I have not encountered any works by New Scientist before, but if this title is anything to gauge them by, it is certainly a group to pay attention to.
While this book is not going to endow you with the prowess to easily generate prime numbers, it will introduce you to some of the current and historical players who have done groundbreaking work in the field. There are sections that deal with some of the unsolved mysteries that have plagued mathematicians for years, and explains how some puzzles were eventually solved. Accompanied with a list of topics for future reading, this is an excellent primer for any curious minds.
I have not encountered any works by New Scientist before, but if this title is anything to gauge them by, it is certainly a group to pay attention to.
November 14, 2019
It was a nice introduction to mathematical concepts apart from the chapter on Elections and voting I enjoyed reading the book.
The number pi, e, phi & even infinity all were covered with a nice introduction. Statistics, probability and there was even some stuff on quantum mechanics.
The book was easy to read and understand I would recommend parents giving this book to their children to spark curiosity and interest in mathematics.
The number pi, e, phi & even infinity all were covered with a nice introduction. Statistics, probability and there was even some stuff on quantum mechanics.
The book was easy to read and understand I would recommend parents giving this book to their children to spark curiosity and interest in mathematics.
August 12, 2025
3,5 stars;
September 9, 2020
This book is a delight. It’s a sort of mathematics safari. You get a glimpse of an interesting problem here and a cool application of mathematics there. Never staying in one place too long and keeping you wanting to see what’s next.
It practically buzzes with enthusiasm and never felt like it was trying to teach me maths.
I actually listened to the audiobook version, which has the added enjoyment of sounding remarkably like the voice of the book from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.
It practically buzzes with enthusiasm and never felt like it was trying to teach me maths.
I actually listened to the audiobook version, which has the added enjoyment of sounding remarkably like the voice of the book from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.
January 26, 2019
An excellent primer for bringing people u9 to speed on the modern state of math, including key theories, significant people and discoveries and the vital role of math in every day life. A great read. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2018
Very good surface book. Not a lot of real meat, but that's fine for a book at this level. Lots of good stories and data that you can use to move deeper into the subjects that interest you!
September 25, 2019
4/10 This was initially interesting but then got too mathematical for a normal reader
August 1, 2021
This is a great introduction to the complexities of numbers, and whilst some of it is extremely complex, it is still a great way to learn a bit more about the importance of mathematics in the real world.
We start out with some the of the obvious concepts, the (arguably to some) most important being the concept of zero (0). It seems obvious to us today, but zero had to be ‘discovered’ or ‘invented’ and it took much longer for this to happen than you might expect. The book moves on to infinity, then to a series of special numbers including pi, e and imaginary numbers. It examples the different types of numbers – integers, negative numbers, rational and irrational numbers and complex numbers, then discusses probability.
We are also introduced to unsolved problems in maths, how maths affects our every day lives, and what it all means (although the later is not answered).
Overall I enjoyed the book. It can get extremely complicated, and it takes a second read on a few sections to get to grips with some of the more complex areas, but if you are interested in mathematics, numbers or science in general, it is worth a read.
We start out with some the of the obvious concepts, the (arguably to some) most important being the concept of zero (0). It seems obvious to us today, but zero had to be ‘discovered’ or ‘invented’ and it took much longer for this to happen than you might expect. The book moves on to infinity, then to a series of special numbers including pi, e and imaginary numbers. It examples the different types of numbers – integers, negative numbers, rational and irrational numbers and complex numbers, then discusses probability.
We are also introduced to unsolved problems in maths, how maths affects our every day lives, and what it all means (although the later is not answered).
Overall I enjoyed the book. It can get extremely complicated, and it takes a second read on a few sections to get to grips with some of the more complex areas, but if you are interested in mathematics, numbers or science in general, it is worth a read.
November 19, 2020
It’s fair to say that quite a bit of this went over my head - the authors try to make maths accessible and light, but there are definitely concepts here that I wasn’t able to fully grasp or comprehend. That said, it was a really enjoyable read nonetheless and good to learn about topics I hadn’t really considered since school.
August 17, 2022
It was more fascinating and useful than I expected. I learnt many little things that can be helpful. As a Data Scientist and Engineer I really enjoyed the parts on Probability & Statistics, Numbers & Reality and Applications of Mathematics in everyday life. The book explains things in an interesting and thought provoking way and it increased my interest in Mathematics.
September 3, 2024
أعجبني أسلوب المؤلف في طرح بعض المفاهيم الرياضية، مثل مفهوم الصفر الذي استغرق وقتًا طويلًا لاكتشافه، ثم انتقل إلى مفهوم اللامتناهي، ومن ثم الثوابت الرياضية مثل π وe. كما يتطرق إلى المسائل التي لم يتم حلها في الرياضيات وكيف تؤثر الرياضيات على حياتنا اليومية.
قرأت الكتاب في العاشر من سبتمبر 2023، وأجريت التدقيق اللغوي في الثالث من سبتمبر 2024."
قرأت الكتاب في العاشر من سبتمبر 2023، وأجريت التدقيق اللغوي في الثالث من سبتمبر 2024."
January 26, 2021
Great introduction to the world of mathematics and its applications! Wonderful for anyone interested in numbers and it could raise a great sense of curiosity in those willing to learn more about mathematics :)
January 10, 2020
Great, although I will have to check the philosophical part of this.
October 1, 2020
Needs more than one read.
March 26, 2021
A helpful revision of some mathematical concepts and a great introduction to others.
June 27, 2021
I have read a few books covering this material and it does feel like each time a little bit more sticks. Maybe one day I will even grasp String Theory! It was remarkably easy to listen to though.
August 14, 2021
Enjoyable summary of many mathematical concepts for a general audience.
December 29, 2022
fun look
A fun look at a tough subject. Not necessarily transparent for an innumerate such as mySelf but still very very interesting
A fun look at a tough subject. Not necessarily transparent for an innumerate such as mySelf but still very very interesting
January 15, 2023
Just yes
January 28, 2024
4 stars cos I barely understood anything but found it so enjoyable to read ahaha very interesting !!!!!
November 1, 2024
Interesting but not am easy read.
April 12, 2025
A simple and quick read for weekend but intellectual enough to boost my reflections about the truth of universe and the connections between everything didn’t think through before.
May 31, 2025
Good book basics of lots covered well
January 26, 2022
A good book
I didn’t understand it all but that’s ok because I relaxed and enjoyed the journey the authors took me on.
I didn’t understand it all but that’s ok because I relaxed and enjoyed the journey the authors took me on.
July 17, 2018
P= değildir NP
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews