Ask HN: Casual Math Book Suggestions

4•vriendspookstem•18h ago

I want to start studying and exploring math for a hobby. I had Engineering mathematics during University days, and also enjoy discovering interesting computer science algorithms. Looking for interesting, engaging books that don't require toooo much thinking.

Comments

Davidbrcz•18h ago

Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth is a graphic novel about the foundational quest in mathematics

calstad•15h ago

These fall more in the "pop-sci" realm, but I think are really good at trying to convey what kinds of things working mathematicians actually think about:

- Colossal Book of Mathematics by Martin Gardner: Uses games and recreational math to introduce areas like group theory and topology.

- Finding Moonshine by Marcus Du Sautoy: Tells the story of the unexpected connection between two areas of math that, on the surface, seem to be completely unrelated.

- The Great Mathematical Problems by Ian Stewart: Does a good job explaining several of the major open problems in math today.

bpmedley•10h ago

I’ve read about 15% - 20% of Imaginary Numbers are Real. It’s a great book, so far.

https://www.welchlabs.com/resources/imaginary-numbers-are-re...

vismit2000•5h ago

The Lost Art of Logarithms: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43356314

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