Think of a Number

"… eminently readable and thought-provoking book. Lines is that rare author who conscientiously respects his claim that little or no prior knowledge of mathematics is required. All that is necessary is accepting that letters can stand for numbers and an understanding of the basic arithmetical operations plus the use of signs and indices. A useful introductory chapter covers even these basic points in an intelligible way for those who may have forgotten all their schoolwork. … Besides intelligent laypersons, the book should appeal to many mathematically literate scientists and engineers."-New Scientist, Sept. 1990"The book is really well written and will be a value-for-money addition to the libraries of problem solvers everywhere."-Aslib Book List, Nov. 90"It is written in a lively and readable style. As Asimov confirmed: 'Simply the best book on numbers I ever read.'"-R. Carchon, Physicalia, No. 2, Feb.1991

• Introduction. The Fibonacci family and friends. Rising and falling with the hailstone numbers. Lies, damned lies and statistics. The pluperfect square - an ultimate patio decor. The trouble with Euclid's fifth. Clock numbers - an invention of the Master. Cryptography - the science of secret writing. Numbers and national security. Are four colors enough? Rulers, dominoes and Professor Golomb. What on earth is an NP-problem? How many balls can you shake into a can? In between dimensions. The road to chaos. Supermathematics and the monster.