The Number Devil Analysis

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Bertrand Russell: The Number Devil

Mathematics is a skill that people use daily throughout their lives in many facets. The Number Devil illustrates the many principles of math through the dreams of the main character, Robert. Robert is taught by the number devil, who teaches Robert not only the basics of mathematics, but also the most perplex principles. One of the principles taught in the book was Bertrand’s Postulate. “Bertrand's Postulate states that if n is an integer greater than 3, then there is at least one prime between n and 2n-2. It is often stated in the weaker, but perhaps more elegant form: If n is a positive integer, then there is a prime p with n < p < 2n” (The prime glossary). Russel not only developed this concept in mathematics, but also was a philosopher, logician, historian, writer, and much more. He studied many different things and cultivated many great theories, which we now understand and use in everyday tasks. …show more content…
In the novel, Robert interacts with the number devil in his dreams. Through this interaction, they mentally and emotionally challenge each other. As they interact throughout the story, the red man exposes Robert to various mathematical quests. From the beginning of the novel to the end, Robert’s thoughts about math transition from blase to curiosity. The number devil taught Robert about prime numbers, which he referred to as “prima donnas”. In the novel, the number devil said “from the very first, they’ve caused mathematicians no end of trouble”(The Number Devil, 5). When doing this, he used Bertrand’s Postulate to guide Robert through the understanding of these “prima donnas”. After he was taught this theorem, Robert no longer had trouble with prime numbers, and the two could move to the next

The Number Devil: Chapter Analysis

In the first chapter, Robert is taught and important lesson about adding, subtracting, division, multiplication, and fractions. The Number Devil is teaching Robert an important lesson about math cause Robert hates math. The Number Devil said "If you are afraid of large numbers lets say five million seven hundred and twenty three thousand eight hundred and twelve - all you have to do is start with 1+1 and go on until you com to five million etcetera." (Page 15). Robert does understand for the whole…

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CRM 1301 Midterm uOttawa Carolyn Gordon Essays

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