 Why Knot? An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots
Colin Adams, Williams College
Softcover, with Tangle® manipulative |©2004| 100 pages | ISBN 1-931914-22-2
HOLY TREFOILS, MATH FANS!
Look! Up on the whiteboard...
Is it geometry? Is it topology? Why, it’s…
KNOT THEORY!
“Why Knot? is a witty, light-hearted exploration of a topic of real research mathematics! Knot Theory is appealing and accessible: it naturally lends itself to lots of interesting pictures and hands-on activities, and, somehow, it’s just downright fun to play with string.”
Chaim Goodman-Strauss, University of Arkansas
Colin Adams, well-known for his advanced research in topology and knot theory, is the author of this new book that brings his findings and his passion for the subject to a more general audience. This beautifully illustrated comic book is appropriate for many mathematics courses at the undergraduate level such as liberal arts math, and topology. Additionally, the book could easily challenge high school students in math clubs or honors math courses.
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Order two or more Why Knot? books and receive a free Why Knot? key chain!
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Each copy of Why Knot? is packaged with a plastic manipulative called the Tangle®. Adams uses the Tangle because “you can open it up, tie it in a knot and then close it up again.” The Tangle is the ultimate tool for knot theory because knots are defined in mathematics as being closed on a loop. Readers use the Tangle to complete the experiments throughout the brief volume.
Adams also presents a history of knot theory from its early role in chemistry to modern applications such as DNA research, dynamical systems, and fluid mechanics. Real math, unreal fun!
Those with an interest in knots, both young and old, will enjoy reading Why Knot? An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots.
Colin Adams is the author of a variety of books and articles, including "The Knot Book", an elementary introduction to the mathematical theory of knots. He speaks to professional and lay groups all over North America and beyond. He was a recipient of the Mathematical Association of America Distinguished Teaching Award in 1998 and the Robert Foster Cherry Great Teaching Award in 2003 recognizing the outstanding higher education teacher in North America in any discipline.
Order two or more Why Knot? books and receive a free Why Knot? key chain!
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