Magic number machine, also known as the magic number generator or magic number algorithm, is a term used in computer science and mathematics to refer to a specific set of numbers or formulas that have special properties or significance. These numbers or formulas are often used in various computational tasks, including encryption, pattern recognition, and data compression. The concept of magic numbers has been around for centuries, with ancient cultures attributing mystical properties to certain numbers. In computer science, a magic number is typically a constant value used in programming that has a special meaning or function. These numbers are often hard-coded into a program and can impact the behavior or output of the program. One example of a magic number is the number 7.
"Who would have thought that the simple numbers we used when learning to count as children could be arranged into so many geometric patterns with interesting properties? If playing with numbers is your thing, this latest work by Cliff Pickover will provide you will countless hours of mystical entertainment and mental challenges."—Julien Clinton Sprott, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Who would have thought that the simple numbers we used when learning to count as children could be arranged into so many geometric patterns with interesting properties. If playing with numbers is your thing, this latest work by Cliff Pickover will provide you will countless hours of mystical entertainment and mental challenges.
One example of a magic number is the number 7. In computer programming, the number 7 is often used to represent the days of the week or the colors of the rainbow. In binary code, the number 7 is represented as 111, which has a significance in various bitwise operations.
The Zen of Magic Squares, Circles, and Stars: An Exhibition of Surprising Structures across Dimensions
Humanity’s love affair with mathematics and mysticism reached a critical juncture, legend has it, on the back of a turtle in ancient China. As Clifford Pickover briefly recounts in this enthralling book, the most comprehensive in decades on magic squares, Emperor Yu was supposedly strolling along the Yellow River one day around 2200 B.C. when he spotted the creature: its shell had a series of dots within squares. To Yu’s amazement, each row of squares contained fifteen dots, as did the columns and diagonals. When he added any two cells opposite along a line through the center square, like 2 and 8, he always arrived at 10. The turtle, unwitting inspirer of the ”Yu” square, went on to a life of courtly comfort and fame.
Pickover explains why Chinese emperors, Babylonian astrologer-priests, prehistoric cave people in France, and ancient Mayans of the Yucatan were convinced that magic squares — arrays filled with numbers or letters in certain arrangements — held the secret of the universe. Since the dawn of civilization, he writes, humans have invoked such patterns to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Yet who would have guessed that in the twenty-first century, mathematicians would be studying magic squares so immense and in so many dimensions that the objects defy ordinary human contemplation and visualization?
Readers are treated to a colorful history of magic squares and similar structures, their construction, and classification along with a remarkable variety of newly discovered objects ranging from ornate inlaid magic cubes to hypercubes. Illustrated examples occur throughout, with some patterns from the author’s own experiments. The tesseracts, circles, spheres, and stars that he presents perfectly convey the age-old devotion of the math-minded to this Zenlike quest. Number lovers, puzzle aficionados, and math enthusiasts will treasure this rich and lively encyclopedia of one of the few areas of mathematics where the contributions of even nonspecialists count.
Clifford Pickover is the author of over twenty books on a broad range of topics in science and art, a columnist for Odyssey, and an inventor. His books include Surfing Through Hyperspace: Understanding Higher Universes in Six Easy Lessons, Wonders of Numbers: Adventures in Mathematics, Mind, and Meaning, and The Loom of God: Mathematical Tapestries at the Edge of Time.
"A perpetual idea machine, Clifford Pickover is one of the most creative, original thinkers in the world today."—Journal of Recreational Mathematics
"Pickover just seems to exist in more dimensions than the rest of us."—Ian Stewart, Scientific American
"Clifford Pickover is many things—scientist, scholar, author, editor, and visionary."—Games
"It is a safe bet to conjecture that this is the best recreational mathematics book that will be published in this year. . . . Pickover writes with his usual style and straightforward simplicity in this book. The material is presented well and can be understood by anyone with a basic middle school mathematics background. This is a cool book!"—Charles Ashbacker, Journal of Recreational Mathematics
"Through accessible and readable prose and through detailed, highquality line illustrations, Pickover ably transports the general reader from culturally embedded traditional topics to a new and surprising frontier."—Harold Don Allen, Mathematics Teacher
"Pickover writes about his subject with contagious enthusiasm and comprehensive erudition."—Choice
"A splendid recreational book. . . . An extremely alluring page-turner."—Andrew Bremner, Notices of the American Mathematical Society
"A refreshing new look at a timeless topic, brimming over with ideas, littered with surprising twists. Anyone who loves numbers, anyone who enjoys puzzles, will find The Zen of Magic Squares, Circles, and Stars compulsive (and compulsory!) reading."—Ian Stewart, University of Warwick, author of Flatterland and Does God Play Dice?
"Pickcover carries the mystique of magic squares and their relatives into the twenty-first century with his new book, The Zen of Magic Squares, Circles, and Stars. Whether you're seeking an introduction to magic squares, an in-depth study, some historical information, or just some enjoyable magic figure problems, tricks, properties, or novelties-this book is for you. Pickover does not leave a magic square unturned, and tantalizes us just enough to want to explore further. From the very famous to the less known, Pickover brings them all together in this amazing collection as he points out their roles in science, our lives and the universe."—Theoni Pappas author of The Joy of Mathematics and Math-A-Day
"At first glance magic squares may seem frivolous (Ben Franklin's opinion, even as he spent countless hours studying them!), but I think that is wrong. The great nineteenth-century German mathematician Leopold Kronecker said 'God Himself made the whole numbers—everything else is the work of men,' and Cliff Pickover's stimulating book hints strongly at the possibility that God may have done more with the integers than just create them. I don't believe in magic in the physical world, but magic squares come as close as we will probably ever see to being mathematical magic."—Paul J. Nahin, University of New Hampshire, author of Duelling Idiots and Other Probability Puzzlers
"Clifford Pickover has compiled such a wonderfully voluminous collection of magic squares and related configurations that the physical book itself threatens to take the shape of a magic cube. Whether or not you achieve arithmetical satori contemplating these engagingly intricate patterns, you will surely come to appreciate their history, beauty, and richness."—John Allen Paulos, Temple University, author of Innumeracy and A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper
"Who would have thought that the simple numbers we used when learning to count as children could be arranged into so many geometric patterns with interesting properties? If playing with numbers is your thing, this latest work by Cliff Pickover will provide you will countless hours of mystical entertainment and mental challenges."—Julien Clinton Sprott, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Every generation seems to demand its own updated book dedicated to magic squares. Pickover's work meets the needs of the present generation. It is an enthusiastic, whimsical, and idiosyncratic compendium of magic squares and their variants, some of which are centuries old, some as fresh as corn picked this morning."—Sherman Stein, University of California, Davis
"Well documented and illustrated, this book is essentially a huge catalogue of these arithmetical beasts called magic squares. No book that I know of presents such a large range of 'mysterious, odd, and fun' patterns, as the author puts it. This includes the numerous geometrical diagrams that reveal some hidden symmetries not obvious to the eye contemplating the number arrays. Throughout, Pickover convincingly substantiates his claim that the field of magic square study is still wide open."—Arturo Sangalli, author of The Importance of Being Fuzzy
"Clifford Pickover is many things—scientist, scholar, author, editor, and visionary."—Games
Another example of a magic number is 42, which gained fame from Douglas Adams' book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". In the book, a supercomputer named Deep Thought determines that the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is the number 42. Since then, 42 has become a famous magic number and is often used as an Easter egg or reference in computer programming and pop culture. Magic number algorithms are also used in cryptography to generate secure encryption keys. These algorithms use complex mathematical formulas and random number generation to create unique and unpredictable numbers that are resistant to decryption. These magic numbers are then used to encrypt and decrypt data to ensure its confidentiality and integrity. In conclusion, magic number machines are an important concept in computer science and mathematics. These numbers or formulas often have special properties or significance and are used in various computational tasks. Whether it be for encoding data, representing specific values, or generating encryption keys, magic numbers play a significant role in computer programming and cryptography..
Reviews for "The Limitations of Magic Number Machines and How to Overcome Them"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to try out Magic Number Machine, but I have to say, I was quite disappointed. The game lacks depth and complexity, and the challenges quickly become repetitive and boring. The graphics are also underwhelming, and the overall gameplay experience feels lackluster. I had high hopes, but unfortunately, Magic Number Machine just didn't live up to them.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - Magic Number Machine is by far the worst game I have ever played. The concept of the game is confusing and poorly explained, making it almost impossible to figure out what you're supposed to do. The controls are clunky and unresponsive, leading to a frustrating and annoying experience. Additionally, the in-game ads are incessant and disruptive, making it even more difficult to enjoy this already terrible game. I highly recommend avoiding Magic Number Machine at all costs.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - As a math enthusiast, I was excited to try out Magic Number Machine. However, the game falls short in its execution. The math problems presented are too basic and easy, providing little challenge for someone who is looking to improve their skills. Additionally, the game lacks a sense of progression or advancement, making it feel stagnant and repetitive after just a few levels. I had hoped for a more engaging and stimulating math game, but unfortunately, Magic Number Machine failed to deliver.
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - Magic Number Machine is an alright game, but nothing special. The gameplay mechanics are simple and easy to understand, but it lacks depth and excitement. The graphics and sound effects are mediocre, and the overall design feels generic. While it can provide some casual entertainment for a short period of time, it quickly becomes dull and uninteresting. If you're looking for a math game that will truly engage and challenge you, I would suggest looking elsewhere.