Adam Spencer's World of Numbers

Book excerpt: This is a specially formatted fixed-layout ebook that retains the look and feel of the print book. ‘Funny, yet with hidden depths – like its author.’ Brian Cox From the building blocks of life, to the games we play, the food we eat, and the marvels of space, Australia’s funniest mathematician is back with a fascinating snapshot of the world of numbers. What’s a ‘firkin’? Is a tardigrade animal, vegetable or mineral? How fast is Usain Bolt ... really? And what’s the record for the most lobster rolls eaten in 10 minutes? All these questions and more are answered in Adam Spencer’s World of Numbers. This is a book for young and old – for anyone who’s ever wondered how things work, who loves puzzles and numbers, or is just plain curious about the amazing world around us. After his bestselling Big Book of Numbers, Australia’s funniest and most famous mathematician is back by popular demand! Adam Spencer has been entertaining us for almost 20 years on triple j, ABC radio and television. You can find him on Twitter @adambspencer, on the web at adamspencer.com.au and on Facebook. Praise for Adam Spencer’s Big Book of Numbers ‘Funny, informative and, even better for dummies like me, all the answers are in the back.’ Wil Anderson ‘If you find this book boring, you should be in a clinic.’ John Cleese ‘Every bright young mind in Australia should read Adam Spencer’s Big Book of Numbers – and we oldies would benefit too.’ Peter FitzSimons ‘Even the page numbers will start to look fascinating once you’ve read this book!’ Amanda Keller