Exploring discrete geometry (Q6574034)

Discrete geometry developed in the twentieth century from problems that, while intriguing, seemed on the edge of traditional geometry. This book uses variations of a number of problems to lead to a deeper understanding of this relatively new area.\N\NDiscrete geometry studies arrangements of different numbers of points, lines, and other familiar objects, often looking for optimal of arrangements or counting the number of ways of making these arrangements. Problems include counting distances determined by a set of points or placing guard points to see all other points in a given region. Others challenge efforts to divide a polygon into triangular regions or pack circles efficiently among many other problems. Many of the problems dealt with in discrete geometry have recently found application in computer imaging and other areas.\N\NThe author believes that the answers to initial questions in this area often spark a variety of related questions, so that he embraces this idea of generating questions as a unifying theme of this book, organizing the book as follows.\N\N\begin{itemize}\N\item[Chapter 1] provides a first layer of easily posed questions, challenging the reader to play with them.\N\N\item[Chapter 2] answers the questions from Chapter 1, introducing some mathematical ideas along the way and posing new problems that are variations of the problems of Chapter 1.\N\N\item[Chapter 3] answers the problems of Chapter 2, provides related mathematical ideas and, continuing the theme of the book, questions those answers with more variations.\N\N\item[Chapter 4] brings closure by answering the variations of Chapter 3 and indicates a broader view, including what is known about some of the topics in this area.\N\N\item[After Chapter 4] The author starts with answers to the exercises not answered earlier, after which he gives suggestions of books and articles at an accessible level for further exploration.\N\end{itemize}