The Number Mysteries A Mathematical Odyssey Through Everyday Life

"We are all taught how fundamental maths is to the world we live. But did you know that Wayne Rooney solves a quadratic equation every time he connects with a cross to put the ball in the back of the net? That we use prime numbers when we shop on the Internet? Or that you can win $1 million just by solving one of the five puzzles in The Number Mysteries? In The Number Mysteries, Marcus du Sautoy - mathematician, footballer and amateur musician - brings to life the beauty behind five mathematical puzzles that have contributed to our understanding of the world around us and have helped develop the technology to cope with it. With load of games to play and puzzles to solve this is a maths book for all ages from 1-101. In The Number Mysteries you will learn everything from how to better your chances at Rock, Paper, Scissors and break uncrackable codes, to uncovering the shape of the universe and predict the future. It will also show you how maths really is at the heart of everything that we do."--Publisher's description.