99 Variations on a Proof

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This lively and compelling book offers a unique perspective on mathematics by presenting 99 different proofs of the same theorem. Each chapter approaches an otherwise unremarkable equation in varied historical, formal, and imaginative styles, including "Medieval," "Topological," and "Doggerel," among others. Philip Ording weaves these variations into an accessible narrative on the nature and practice of mathematics. Drawing inspiration from the Paris-based writing group Oulipo, which included figures like Raymond Queneau and Italo Calvino, Ording explores the aesthetic possibilities of mathematical activity. This work parallels Queneau's Exercises in Style, connecting mathematics to mysticism, technology, architecture, and sign language. The book features diagrams and notations that are both amusing and enlightening. With a blend of humor and scholarly insight, Ording showcases the creative potential of mathematical language, challenging its reputation for strict precision. Readers will gain a broad understanding of the discipline and its major branches, along with insights into its historical, philosophical, and cultural dimensions. Regardless of expertise, every reader will uncover surprising aspects of the mathematical landscape through these diverse proofs.