The Computer as Crucible: An Introduction to Experimental Mathematics

by Jonathan M. Borwein, Keith Devlin

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.

Genres: Science, Mathematics

172 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2008

Reviews

[Jean-François · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mathematics is that domain of science that is usually thought to be purely of the mind, but increasingly computers are helping mathematicians by identifying sequences, providing insights into complex systems, assisting with proofs and much more. This book gives a small peek into how the machines are, nowadays, been used and how.

Written in a clear style with numerous examples, the book reads easily and quickly and makes frequent references to other publications, often written by one of or both the authors. In addition, each chapter ends with a few exercises, some of which I have found to be rather challenging.

While this is probably not a book you will read to get a good grasp on "computer assisted mathematics", it is an interesting introduction to it.

[Alexandre Chabot-Leclerc]

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