him as a professor of mathematics who wins fame as a young man for his extension of
the binomial theorem.Are there any math booksaimed at children and young adults?
Yes, there are a plethora of math books intended for children and young adults. The
following lists only a veryfew that enlist stories, riddles, or other methods to explain
mathematics:The Adventures of Penrose the Mathematical Catby Theoni Pappas (Wide World
Publishing, 1997; ISBN: 1884550142)—This story tells of Penrose the cat as he
explores and experiences a variety of mathematical concepts, including infinity, the
golden rectangle, and impossible figures. For ages 9 to 12.The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventureby Hans Magnus Enzensberger,
Rotraut Susanne Berner, and Michael Henry Heim (Metropolitan Books; Reprint edi-
tion, 2000; ISBN: 0805062998)—This great humorous book for kids is about mathe-
matics. It begins when young Robert’s dreams take a decided turn for the weird.
Instead of falling down holes and such adventures typical in many children’s dreams,
in Robert’s 12 dreams, he visits a bizarre magical land of number tricks with the num-
ber devil as his host. For ages 9 to 12.The Grapes of Math by Gregory Tang (Scholastic Press, 2001; ISBN:
043921033X)—This story offers a series of counting riddles and encourages the reader
to find shortcuts to determining the mathematical answers by looking for patterns,
symmetries, and familiar number combinations. For ages 9 to 12.Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith (Viking Books, 1995; ISBN:
0670861944)—An award-winning, very amusing picture book about dealing with
numbers in everyday life. For ages 4 to 8.How Big Is a Foot?by Rolf Myller (Yearling; Reissue edition, 1991; ISBN:
0440404959)—A humorous picture book that begins: “Once upon a time there lived a
456 King and his wife, the Queen....” From there, the book explains to readers ages 4 to 8
What television show paired mathematics with crime solving?
T
he television show NUMB3RS,which debuted in 2005, features a mathematical
genius named Charlie, who was recruited by his FBI agent brother to help
solve a wide range of crimes in Los Angeles. Inspired by real events, this show
depicts how mathematics and police work can come together to provide answers
to baffling cases. The show even premiered the pilot at a mathematical conference.