L.P. Pook (auth.)9048125022, 9789048125029
A flexagon is a motion structure that has the appearance of a ring of hinged polygons. It can be flexed to display different pairs of faces, usually in cyclic order. Flexagons can be appreciated as toys or puzzles, as a recreational mathematics topic, and as the subject of serious mathematical study. Workable paper models of flexagons are easy to make and entertaining to manipulate. The mathematics of flexagons is complex, and how a flexagon works is not immediately obvious on examination of a paper model. Recent geometric analysis, included in the book, has improved theoretical understanding of flexagons, especially relationships between different types.
This profusely illustrated book is arranged in a logical order appropriate for a textbook on the geometry of flexagons. It is written so that it can be enjoyed at both the recreational mathematics level, and at the serious mathematics level. The only prerequisite is some knowledge of elementary geometry, including properties of polygons. A feature of the book is a compendium of over 100 nets for making paper models of some of the more interesting flexagons, chosen to complement the text. These are accurately drawn and reproduced at half full size. Many of the nets have not previously been published. Instructions for assembling and manipulating the flexagons are included.
Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages i-xv
Introduction….Pages 1-14
Polygon Rings….Pages 15-31
Fundamental Nets….Pages 33-41
Fundamental Edge Flexagons….Pages 43-76
Fundamental Skeletal and Point Flexagons….Pages 77-101
Fundamental Compound Edge Flexagons….Pages 103-118
Irregular Cycle Flexagons….Pages 119-145
Degenerate Flexagons….Pages 147-174
Irregular Ring Even Edge Flexagons….Pages 175-200
Irregular Polygon Edge Flexagons….Pages 201-245
Complex Flexagons….Pages 247-298
Miscellaneous Flexagons….Pages 299-323
Back Matter….Pages 325-329
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.