Mathematics is the science of patterns, and mathematicians attempt to understand these patterns and discover new ones using a variety of tools. In Proofs That Really Count, award-winning math professors Arthur Benjamin and Jennifer Quinn demonstrate that many number patterns, even very complex ones, can be understood by simple counting arguments. The book emphasizes numbers that are often not thought of as numbers that count: Fibonacci Numbers, Lucas Numbers, Continued Fractions, and Harmonic Numbers, to name a few. Numerous hints and references are given for all chapter exercises and many chapters end with a list of identities in need of combinatorial proof. The extensive appendix of identities will be a valuable resource. This book should appeal to readers of all levels, from high school math students to professional mathematicians.

Author: Arthur T. Benjamin, Jennifer J. Quinn
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Published: 11/13/2003
Series: Dolciani Mathematical Expositions #27
Pages: 206
ISBN: 9780883853337


Review Citation(s):
Choice 03/01/2004 pg. 1329