The Sensual (Quadratic) Form
The Sensual (Quadratic) Form
No date available
Paperback
9780883850404
Paperback
The distinguished mathematician John Conway presents quadratic forms in a pictorial way that enables the reader to understand them mathematically without proving theorems in the traditional fashion. One learns to sense their properties. In his customary enthusiastic style, Conway uses his theme to cast light on all manner of mathematical topics from algebra, number theory and geometry, including many new ideas and features.
- Conway is a very distinguished mathematician and well-known author
- Contains many original insights into the subject
- Can be appreciated without formal mathematical training
Reviews & endorsements
'Absolutely fascinating from beginning to end.' New Scientist
Product details
No date availablePaperback
9780883850404
162 pages
205 × 140 × 10 mm
0.2kg
68 b/w illus.
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. The first lecture: can you see the values of 2x2 + 6xy – 5y2?
- 2. Afterthoughts: PSL2(Z) and Farey functions
- 3. The second lecture: can you hear the shape of a lattice?
- 4. Afterthoughts: Kneser's gluing method – unimodular lattices
- 5. The third lecture: ... and can you feel its form?
- 6. Afterthoughts: feeling the form of a four dimensional lattice
- 7. The fourth lecture: the primary fragrances
- 8. Afterthought: more about the invariants – p-adic numbers
- 9. Postscript: a taste of number theory
- Bibliography.
