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John De Pillis
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777 Mathematical Conversation Starters (Spectrum)

by John de Pillis (Author)
3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
See all formats and editions
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777 Mathematical Conversation Starters shows that there are few degrees of separation between mathematics and topics that provoke interesting conversations. The topics presented in this unique book are accessible to mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike. They include thought-provoking conversation starters such as: the value of fame; why language matters; the anatomy of thought; how we know what we know; how the Pythagorean theorem (with very little physics) shows that Einstein was correct about time dilation and distance contraction; and how mathematics produces intuition-defying examples. The format is unique, too: Topics (conversation starters) are numbered, extensively cross-referenced, and divided into small digestible units. Published for the first time in 777 Mathematical Conversation Starters are original quotes from Joshua Lederberg, Ron Graham, Jay Leno, Martin Gardner, and many others.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0883855402
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0883855409
  3. Publisher
    American Mathematical Society
  4. Publication date
    June 30, 2004
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    6.12 x 0.74 x 8.91 inches
  7. Print length
    360 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'Instructive, amusing, provocative, and insidiously addictive, 777 Mathematical Conversation Starters serves up ample fodder for feeding mathematics into classroom discussions or even cocktail-party chatter.' Ivars Peterson, Science News

Are you looking for a nice quote, poem, or cartoon to adorn your next speech, article or math exam? If so, 777 Mathematical Conversation Starters is a great place to start looking. Arthur Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College

'In view of the difficulties with the public perception of mathematics, books like this can only help make the subject more approachable and less scary, and this particular book will be especially helpful to anyone wishing to bring an additional splash of color to a mathematics lecture for a general audience.' David Acheson, Jesus College, Oxford

Book Description

Illustrated book showing that there are few degrees of separation between mathematics and topics that provoke interesting conversations.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ American Mathematical Society (June 30, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0883855402
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0883855409
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 0.74 x 8.91 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

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John De Pillis

John De Pillis

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Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7 out of 5
10 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Robert Parker
2.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
Being a math geek, I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book. Frankly, despite my high hopes I find this book to be utterly boring, irrelevant, and snobbish. Many of the "conversation starters" are tangentially related to math, at best. The only conversation I can imagine it starting is when someone walks away to talk with another person. Very disappointed and don't really understand the other positive reviews.
One person found this helpful
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Sheila
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
Intelligent, witty and graceful in it's presentation
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feline
5.0 out of 5 stars can't keep the book
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2005
Verified Purchase
A wonderful book to read, to keep, and to give. I've bought 5 copies by now, each with an intention to keep for myself, each given as a gift to somebody (not necessarily a mathematician) after starting a conversation inspired by the book. About to buy another copy...
2 people found this helpful
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Emily W
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
fun read
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Party Talk
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2002
I was lucky enough to see a friend's copy...and after trying it out, I had to get my own copy. It has one-line quotes and concepts for everything. I could find out what my clients were interested in and impress them by quoting an expert in that area. Of course, I'd have to say I'm getting drinks for them and peek at the book while the bartender is filling the order. It has actually helped me make connections at business parties and give others the impression that I really know my stuff! Sometimes that client I'm trying to meet I get introduced to by somebody I've just "wow-ed". I'd really recommend this to anybody who might be in a situation where they have to keep the conversation going.
3 people found this helpful
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Al Kelley
5.0 out of 5 stars My father loves this book too
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2005
Being a mathematician, I love this book. But my father is

very far from being a mathematician, and he loves

this book too.

"777 Coversation Starters" by John de Pillis

is a definite winner!
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Jl Renals
3.0 out of 5 stars Proper dense
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2020
Verified Purchase
Whoa! Conversations with WHO? Einstein? I have a degree in maths and you've got to really fancy that undergraduate to get THIS involved in a chat up!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
good one
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