Simon Singh shows that the writers of The Simpsons, many of whom have degrees in mathematics and physics, have placed mathematical jokes and references throughout the show for over twenty years. He explains the ideas behind them, including Fermat's Last Theorem, perfect numbers, Mersenne primes, pi, the P versus NP problem and the Higgs boson, as well as the history of the mathematicians who studied them. The book also includes interviews with the writers and notes on how the jokes were designed.
It suits fans of the show who want to learn some mathematics, and math readers who enjoy a lighter approach. It requires no advanced training, and gives a good selection of ideas to talk about.
Outward-looking and clear-cut; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2013
- Language
- EN
