By: Kissel Cablayda
Playful and witty- The
Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities is a must read book for all ages. Of the
five books given to be reviewed, this is the book that finds the reader to be
unexpectedly time and effort engaging, however, in a way that it lures the
readers to play and play game after game. This is a collection of tricks that
are perfect for those who believes that math is a magic, a collection of games
for math gamers, and a collection of ice breaker for those who just want to
kill the time. Ian Stewart, as a witty author as ever be, never failed the
readers to engage his readers to the trickery of math curiosities.
His smart tactic to
use universal emotions of human, such as curiosity, fun and humor is a wise way
to subtly connect and develop the readers’ interest in math exploration and
appreciation.
One of the most
enjoying parts of his game collection is the “more curios calculations” part in
which one doubles a three digit number divide it by 7, then 11 then 13 and then
one gets the same three digit number as the answer. The wise way of those who
have discovered this trick is a skill that can lead the “player” amazed and
confused at the same time. This kind of mathematical generalization is just one
of the many tricks that keen observer can do and re-enact to others. Such
algebraic game is good for the brain. It is a good example to encourage one
person to think and dig deeper about the situation behind the trickery. Thus it
is safe to say that the author encourages the readers to become a detective- a
detective for mathematical confusion and trickeries.
Among other games, the
book also included mathematical facts that leaves the reader information that
would astonish them thus even inspire them to become a math enthusiast. A very
god example is Ian Stewart’s story about the German algebraist Ernst Kummer and
his inability to solve mathematical equations. However Kummer is a notable
genius that had contributed some of the best works on Fermat’s theorem. This
short story would really make the reader realize that you don’t have to be a
math genius to become a mathematician, in fact you can be famous in this field
as long as there someone who you can rely on when you need basic calculations.
The book is indeed a
good read, a good interest and amazement simulator. Thus, this should be a good
peg and an inspiration to those who attempt to invite the audience to engage in
different mathematical concepts and theories.
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