This book is written in a style that uncovers the mathematical theories buried in our everyday lives such as examples from patterns that appear in nature, art, and traditional crafts, and in mathematical mechanisms in techniques used by architects. The authors believe that through dialogues between students and mathematicians, readers may discover the processes by which the founders of the theories came to their various conclusions―their trials, errors, tribulations, and triumphs. The goal is for readers to refine their mathematical sense of how to find good questions and how to grapple with these problems. Another aim is to provide enjoyment in the process of applying mathematical rules to beautiful art and design by examples that highlight the wonders and mysteries from our daily lives. To fulfill these aims, this book deals with the latest unique and beautiful results in polygons and polyhedra and the dynamism of geometrical research history that can be found around us. The term "intuitive geometry" was coined by Lászlo Fejes Tóth to refer to the kind of geometry which, in Hilbert's words, can be explained to and appeal to the "man on the street." This book allows people to enjoy intuitive geometry informally and instinctively. It does not require more than a high school level of knowledge but calls for a sense of wonder, intuition, and mathematical maturity.
This book is written in a style that uncovers the mathematical theories buried in our everyday lives such as examples from patterns that appear in nature, art, and traditional crafts, and in mathematical mechanisms in techniques used by architects. The authors believe that through dialogues between students and mathematicians, readers may discover the processes by which the founders of the theories came to their various conclusions―their trials, errors, tribulations, and triumphs. The goal is for readers to refine their mathematical sense of how to find good questions and how to grapple with these problems. Another aim is to provide enjoyment in the process of applying mathematical rules to beautiful art and design by examples that highlight the wonders and mysteries from our daily lives. To fulfill these aims, this book deals with the latest unique and beautiful results in polygons and polyhedra and the dynamism of geometrical research history that can be found around us. The term "intuitive geometry" was coined by Lászlo Fejes Tóth to refer to the kind of geometry which, in Hilbert's words, can be explained to and appeal to the "man on the street." This book allows people to enjoy intuitive geometry informally and instinctively. It does not require more than a high school level of knowledge but calls for a sense of wonder, intuition, and mathematical maturity.
Is a unique book combining the rich mathematical content of polygons and polyhedra, in a writing style that appeals to all readers Shows how the world of polygons and polyhedra connects to the world of aesthetics, with an interplay between mathematics and art Introduces a history of old mathematical problems and explains such problems in a fresh, enticing manner Presents non-trivial mathematical results in a way that is both unique and accessible, combining the richness of dialogues, mathematical proofs, and beauty of shapes Shows how the world of polygons and polyhedra can be viewed as useful and enjoyable without sacrificing the beauty of the deeper mathematics Introduces a wide range of interplay between mathematics and art and presents a more visually entertaining form of mathematics that attracts readers
Jin Akiyama
Art Dehn's invariant Element number Equidecomposable Hilbert's Third Problem Intuitive Geometry Johnson Solid Lattice Measuring Box Parallelohedron Pentadron Polygon Polyhedron Reversibile Sphere Packing
“The subjects within Treks into Intuitive Geometry directly relate to what German mathematician David Hilbert distinguished as topics that could interest a ‘man on the street.’ … The book contains colorful diagrams and reprints of famous artwork. … Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through lower-division undergraduates.” (M. D. Sanford, Choice, Vol. 54 (2), October, 2016)
“Treks into Intuitive Geometry is a delightful read covering various topics in geometry, from tilings of the plane to three-dimensional solids. … This book is also filled with wonderful full-color illustrations. … With these concrete topics and easy-going style, this book can be enjoyed by mathematicians and recreational puzzlers alike.” (Tricia Muldoon Brown, MAA Reviews, maa.org, April, 2016)
“The authors' efforts to provide figures and experiments, as well as the many references with ‘everyday life’ suchas art, architecture and optimization, will be appreciated by teachers or self-taugth readers. In various way, this book is poetic, and contains several references to the Japanese culture and history. It is uncommon in its construction, well illustrated and entertaining. In summary, a good outreach book for a broad audience.” (Matthieu Jacquemet, zbMATH 1339.52001, 2016)