Why knot? : an introduction to the mathematical theory of knots

Bibliographic Information

Why knot? : an introduction to the mathematical theory of knots

Colin Adams

[Wiley Pub.], [2008?]

  • : pbk

Available at  / 3 libraries

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Note

Originally published: Emeryville, Calif. : Key College Pub., c2004

Publisher and ISBN from sticker on back cover

Includes bibliographical references (p. 59)

"Tangle" rope in box attached to back cover of book.

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Those with an interest in knots, both young and old, will enjoy reading Why Knot? An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots . Colin Adams, well-known for his advanced research in topology and knot theory, is the author of this new book that brings his findings and his passion for the subject to a more general audience. Adams also presents a history of knot theory from its early role in chemistry to modern applications such as DNA research, dynamical systems, and fluid mechanics. Real math, unreal fun! Each copy of Why Knot? is packaged with a plastic manipulative called the Tangle(r). Adams uses the Tangle because "you can open it up, tie it in a knot and then close it up again." The Tangle is the ultimate tool for knot theory because knots are defined in mathematics as being closed on a loop. Readers use the Tangle to complete the experiments throughout the brief volume.

Table of Contents

Preface. Section 1: Introduction. Section 2: Mathematical Knots: What Are They? A. The Basic Idea. B. Composition. C. Crossing Number. D. Reidemeister Moves. E. Links. F. Unknotting Number. G. How Many Knots Are There? H. Denoting Pictures of Knots. Section 3: Knots, What Good Are They? A. History. B. Knotted DNA. C. Knotted Molecules. D. Random Knotting. Section 4: The Future. Extra Fun. Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Further Reading. Some Answers to the Experiments.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA91323731
  • ISBN
    • 9780470413494
  • Country Code
    xx
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    [Hoboken, N.J.]
  • Pages/Volumes
    v, 62 p.
  • Size
    26 cm
  • Attached Material
    1 plastic rope
  • Subject Headings
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