The Computer as Crucible
An Introduction to Experimental Mathematics

by Jonathan M. Borwein, Keith Devlin
Price: $29.95
Availability: In stock.

Summary

Keith Devlin and Jonathan Borwein, two well-known mathematicians with expertise in different mathematical specialties but with a common interest in experimentation in mathematics, have joined forces to create this introduction to experimental mathematics. They cover a variety of topics and examples to give the reader a good sense of the current state of play in the rapidly growing new field of experimental mathematics. The writing is clear and the explanations are enhanced by relevant historical facts and stories of mathematicians and their encounters with the field over time.

Details

ISBN: 978-1-56881-343-1
Year: 2008
Format: Paperback
Pages: 170

Reviews

Antonio Cangiano, Math-Blog.com (External Link)

July 2010

“ … The Computer as Crucible is a lovely little book which builds a strong case for experimental mathematics. Any practicing mathematician or serious amateur should consider checking out this introduction to a topic that will no doubt transform mathematics.”

Zentralblatt MATH (PDF)

September 2009

“… allows [the reader] to take a look at some interesting problems and solve [them] using [a] computer. The authors are showing how a mathematician can use a computer as a tool. … The book covers a variety of topics and examples in order to give the reader a good sense of the current state of play in the rapidly growing new field of experimental mathematics. … The writing is clear and the explanations are enhanced by relevant historical facts and stories of mathematicians and their encounters with the field over time. The book will be of interest to any reader who would like to taste the solving of mathematical problems with a computer. No matter if readers may not have much mathematical knowledge: they can catch the essentials with the book, and have fun exploring some questions.”

Gazette of the Australian Mathematical Society (External Link)

July 2009

“The sleuth-like style and lucid writing certainly make this book an enjoyable read. Many explanations are framed by relevant historical context and tales of mathematicians whose use of experimental mathematics helped them gain insights into difficult problems… . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this short introduction to experimental mathematics. It will no doubt appeal to a broad mathematical audience, both professional and amateur alike.”

Newsletter of the European Mathematical Society (PDF)

June 2009

“It is a pleasant and readable book for any working mathematician who wants to know something more about the use of computers for generating hypotheses on relations among known and less known special numbers.”