Single Digits: In Praise of Small Numbers [Paperback]

InSingle Digits, Marc Chamberland takes readers on a fascinating exploration of small numbers, from one to nine, looking at their history, applications, and connections to various areas of mathematics, including number theory, geometry, chaos theory, numerical analysis, and mathematical physics. For instance, why do eight perfect card shuffles leave a standard deck of cards unchanged? And, are there really six degrees of separation between all pairs of people? Chamberland explores these questions and covers vast numerical territory, such as illustrating the ways that the number three connects to chaos theory, the number of guards needed to protect an art gallery, problematic election results and so much more. The book's short sections can be read independently and digested in bite-sized chunksespecially good for learning about the Ham Sandwich Theorem and the Pizza Theorem. Appealing to high school and college students, professional mathematicians, and those mesmerized by patterns, this book shows that single digits offer a plethora of possibilities that readers can count on.

Marc Chamberlandis professor of mathematics and natural sciences at Grinnell College. He is the creator of the YouTube channelTipping Point Math,which strives to make mathematics accessible to everyone. Fascinating. . . . Chamberland offers enticing explanations that will leave readers hungry to know more. This wonderful book never loses its focus or momentum. [B]oth amateur and professional mathematicians alike will find new items of interest here. . . . [A] welcome, splendid, fruitful addition to my math bookshelf. The collection is outright delightful. It will agitate the minds of students and shake the sense of know-all off many a professional and most of the amateurs. ---Alexander Bogomolny,Cut the Knot blog Boring deep into the innocuous-looking number one, Chamberland opens an unexpected entry point into a dizzying maze of infinities. . . . Al“!