About the Book
This new approach to mathematics---the utilization of advanced computing technology in mathematical research---is often called experimental mathematics. The computer provides the mathematician with a "laboratory" in which she can perform experiments---analyzing examples, testing out new ideas, or searching for patterns. This book presents the rationale and historical context of experimental mathematics, and includes a series of examples that best portray the experimental methodology. For more examples and insights, the book, "Experimentation in Mathematics: Computational Paths to Discovery" is a highly recommended companion.
Review :
" Whether you take sides in the debate about the validity of experimental mathematics or are not sure what all the fuss is about, the book is a rewarding read. -Padraig Murphy, Berkeley Science Review, April 2004 Let me cut to the chase: every mathematics library requires a copy of this book... Every supervisor of higher degree students requires a copy on their shelf. Welcome to the rich world of computer-supported mathematics! -Mathematiacl Reviews, December 2004 "Whether you take sides in the debate about the validity of experimental mathematics or are not sure what the fuss is all about, the book is a rewarding read." -Padraig Murphy, Berkeley Science Review, June 2004 How large a role will computer computations play in the mathematics of tomorrow? The books under review are about many things, but it is clear that the authors are focused on this question. Their answer: very large. Their attitude: we should embrace this change. -David P. Roberts, MAA Online Read This!, January 2005 These are such fun books to read! Actually, calling them books does not do them justice. They have the liveliness and feel of great Web sites, with their bite-size fascinating factoids and their many human- and math-interest stories and other gems. But do not be fooled by the lighthearted, immensely entertaining style. You are going to learn more math (experimental or otherwise) than you ever did from any two single volumes. Not only that, you will learn by osmosis how to become an experimental mathematician. -Doron Zeilberger, American Scientist, March 2005 "It is impossible to describe the content of the whole work in detail in just a few lines." -Ivan NetukaI, EMS, September 2004 Experimental mathematics is dedicated to expanding mathematical knowledge rapidly, occasionally with a "temporary relaxation in rigor." -Paul Campbell, Jr., Mathematics Magazine, April 2005 Much of the material in the book has arisen from the experiences of the authors while working on a computer based approach to different topics in mathematics. The variety obtained in this way is impressive, the authors have really touched and produced a treasure trove of lovely mathematical gems. -Fritz Beukers, AMS MathSciNet, May 2005 "Mathematiques experimentales Certains mathematiciens defendent l'idee que les mathematiques sont une science experimentale : l'ordinateur, dont la puissance de calcul engendre des conjectures, est pour eux une source d'inspiration." -Jean-Paul Delahaye, Pour la Science--Logic et Calcul, April 2005 "Still, experimental mathematics is here to stay. The reader who wants to get an introduction to this exciting approach to doing mathematics can do no better than [this book]." -Jeffrey Shallit, Notices of the AMS, September 2005 Mathematics by experiment describes the ideas behind experimental mathematics... and devotes some time to the more philosophical implications suggested by the title. -Australian Mathematical Society Gazette, August 2005 "The two books are written in an inviting, conversational, unprepossessing style. They are fascinating as a vast collection of interesting facts, anecdotes, and examples about numbers, primes, polynomials, special functions, definite integrals, series summations, and especially PI." -Reuben Hersh, SIAM Reviews, January 2006 "The two books are written in an inviting, conversational, unprepossessing style. They are fascinating as a vast collection of interesting facts, anecdotes, and examples about numbers, primes, polynomials, special functions, definite integrals, series summations, and especially PI." -Ruben Hersh, SIAM Reviews, January 2006"
