Mathematicians solve equations, or try to. But sometimes the solutions
are not as interesting as the beautiful symmetric patterns that lead to
them. Written in a friendly style for a general audience, Fearless
Symmetry is the first popular math book to discuss these elegant and
mysterious patterns and the ingenious techniques mathematicians use to
uncover them.
Hidden symmetries were first discovered nearly two hundred years ago by
French mathematician évariste Galois. They have been used extensively in
the oldest and largest branch of mathematics--number theory--for such
diverse applications as acoustics, radar, and codes and ciphers. They
have also been employed in the study of Fibonacci numbers and to attack
well-known problems such as Fermat's Last Theorem, Pythagorean Triples,
and the ever-elusive Riemann Hypothesis. Mathematicians are still
devising techniques for teasing out these mysterious patterns, and their
uses are limited only by the imagination.
The first popular book to address representation theory and reciprocity
laws, Fearless Symmetry focuses on how mathematicians solve equations
and prove theorems. It discusses rules of math and why they are just as
important as those in any games one might play. The book starts with
basic properties of integers and permutations and reaches current
research in number theory. Along the way, it takes delightful historical
and philosophical digressions. Required reading for all math buffs, the
book will appeal to anyone curious about popular mathematics and its
myriad contributions to everyday life.
