Did you know there are 17 possible types of symmetric wallpaper pattern? Do you know what 'casting out the nines' is? Or why 88 is the fourth 'untouchable' number? Or how 7 is used to test for the onset of dementia.

Number fanatic Derrick Niederman has a mission to bring numbers to life. He explores the unique properties of the most exciting numbers from 1 to 200, wherever they may crop up: from mathematics to sport, from history to the natural world, from language to pop culture.

Packed with illustrations, amusing facts, puzzles, brainteasers and anecdotes, this is an enthralling and thought-provoking numerical voyage through the history of mathematics, investigating problems of logic, geometry and arithmetic along the way.

About the Author

Derrick Niederman is a mathematician turned investment writer. He is the author of several books on numbers and finance, including What the Numbers Say and The Inner Game of Investing. He has written a series of puzzle books and is regular contributor of crossword puzzles to the New York Times.

Reviews

'This book is a complete joy. It made me smile. A lot' Carol Vorderman

'There's more to maths than just numbers - but, as this entertaining and engaging book amply demonstrates, the depth and variety of mathematical ideas that appear when you start with 1, 2, 3 and keep going is astonishing. Once you start reading 'Number Freak' it's just like the number system itself - impossible to stop' Ian Stewart, author of Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities

'A great maths book for geeks and non-geeks alike' Johnny Ball

'A fun book... definitely challenging' Vanity Fair

'A fascinating parade of diverse numerical characters... An entertaining mix of numerical fun and theory' Booklist

'All sorts of fascinating mathematical minutiae' Time Out (Chicago)

Book Information
ISBN 9780715654026
Author Derrick Niederman
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Duckworth
Publisher Duckworth Books