A Guide to Infinity

An accessible introduction to infinity explaining the different ways that mathematicians use it in their daily work

Infinity has traditionally been a topic for philosophers, physicists, and artists, and it can be large, scary, or highly metaphorical. For mathematicians, however, infinity is not frightening or hopelessly abstract (though it is certainly big) but rather is a normal part of their work. In this guide, award-winning professor and author Edward R. Scheinerman offers an exploration of infinity for the curious. This is real math for real people, and you do not need a mastery of calculus to understand and enjoy it.

Through witty and accessible prose, along with many illustrations, Scheinerman demonstrates how infinity is used in algebra, geometry, and logic, touching on hyperreal numbers, the hyperbolic plane, transfinite ordinals, and more. He ends each chapter with tantalizing questions to inspire readers toward further—infinite?—investigation. This book, by the author of The Mathematics Lover’s Companion, is for students, mathophiles, engineers, scientists, accountants—even people who fear mathematics!

Author Biography

Edward R. Scheinerman is professor of applied mathematics and statistics and a vice dean at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of The Mathematics Lover’s Companion.