Preface（序言） to 'How the other half thinks: Adventures in mathematical reasoning'
A
Occasionally, in some difficult musical compositions, there are beautiful, but easy parts-parts so simple a beginner could play them. So it is with mathematics as well. There are some discoveries in advanced mathematics that do not depend on specialized knowledge, not even on algebra,geometry,or trigonometry. Instead they may involve, at most, a little arithmetic, such as 'the sum of two odd numbers is even', and common sense. Each of the eight chapters in this book illustrates this phenomenon. Anyone can understand every step in the reasoning.
The thinking in each chapter uses at most only elementary arithmetic, and sometimes not even that. Thus all readers will have the chance to participate in a mathematical experience, to appreciate the beauty of mathematics, and to become familiar with its logical, yet intuitive, style of thinking.
note
musical composition：音乐作品；音乐创作
arithmetic：n.adj.算术（的）
intuitive：adj.直觉的；易懂的
B
One of my purposes in writing this book is to give readers who haven't had the opportunity to see and enjoy real mathematics the chance to appreciate the mathematical way of thinking.I want to reveal not only some of the fascinating discoveries,but,more importantly,the reasoning behind them.
In that respect,this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public.Some present the lives of colorful mathematicians.Others describe important applications of mathematics. Yet others go into mathematical procedures, but assume that the reader is adept in using algebra.
note
Yet others go into mathematical procedures, but assume that the reader is adept in using algebra.
还有一些是数学的步骤，但前提是假设读者能熟练使用代数
assume：v.假定，假设；认为
be adept in：精通于，熟练掌握...
同义替换：expert at、be good with
C
I hope this book will help bridge that notorious gap that separates the two cultures: the humanities and the sciences,or should I say the right brain (intuitive)and the left brain (analytical,numerical).As the chapters will illustrate,mathematics is not restricted to the analytical and numerical;intuition plays a significant role.The alleged gap can be narrowed or completely overcome by anyone,in part because each of us is far from using the full capacity of either side of the brain.To illustrate our human potential,I cite a structural engineer who is an artist,an electrical engineer who is an opera singer,an opera singer who published mathematical research,and a mathematician who publishes short stories.
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notorious：adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的
同义替换：infamous、disreputable：adj.名声不好的，不正经的
reputation：n.名誉，名声
the alleged gap：所谓的差距
allege：v.(未经证实地）宣称，指控
narrow：adj.狭窄的；狭隘的；v.（人眼）眯起来；使变窄；压缩；n.海峡；狭窄部分
in part：部分地
常见位置：
句中：This success was in part the result of careful planning.
与because等连词连用：He failed, in part because he was overconfident.
cite：v.引用；引证；传唤；n.引用，引文
D
Other scientists have written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have necessarily had to _omit the mathematics, although it provides the foundation of their theories. The reader must remain a tantalized spectator rather than an involved participant, since the appropriate language for describing the details in much of science is mathematics, whether the subject is expanding universe, subatomic particles, or chromosomes. Though the broad outline of a scientific theory can be _sketched intuitively, when a part of the physical universe is finally understood, its description often looks like a page in a mathematics text.
note
omit：v.省略，忽略
sketch：v.素描；简述
E
Still, the non-mathematical reader can go far in understanding mathematical reasoning. This book presents the details that illustrate the mathematical style of thinking, which involves sustained, step-by-step analysis, experiments, and insights. You will turn these pages much more slowly than when reading a novel or a newspaper. It may help to have a pencil and paper ready to check claims and carry out experiments.
note
Still, the non-mathematical reader can go far in understanding mathematical reasoning.
然而，非数学读者在理解数学推理方面可以走得更远。
reasoning：n.v.推理；以理相劝
sustain：v.维持，持续
carry out experiments：进行实验
F
As I wrote, I kept in mind two types of readers: those who enjoyed mathematics until they were turned off by an unpleasant episode, usually around fifth grade, and mathematics aficionados, who will find much that is new throughout the book.
note
turn off by：使不感兴趣，使厌烦；关闭电器
episode：n.经历，事件；插曲
aficionado：n.狂热爱好者，粉丝
This book also serves readers who simply want to sharpen their analytical skills Many careers,such as law and medicine,require extended,precise analysis.Each chapter offers practice in following a sustained and closely argued line of thought. That mathematics can develop this skill is shown by these two testimonials:
G
A physician wrote,'The discipline of analytical thought processes [in mathematics] prepared me extremely well for medical school. In medicine one is faced with a problem which must be thoroughly analyzed before a solution can be found. The process is similar to doing mathematics.'
A lawyer made the same point,'Although I had no background in law - not even one political science course - I did well at one of the best law schools. I attribute much of my success there to having learned, through the study of mathematics, and, in particular, theorems, how to analyze complicated principles. Lawyers who have studied mathematics can master the legal principles in a way that most others cannot.'
note
attribute：v.把...归因于；认为...是；n.属性，特质；定语
同义替换：ascribe to：把...归因于；认为...是
in particular：特别是，尤其是
I hope you will share my delight in watching as simple, even naive, questions lead to remarkable solutions and purely theoretical discoveries find unanticipated applications.
note
delight：v.n.（使）高兴
remark：n.言论，评论；引人注目；v.谈论
remarkable：adj.引人注目的，非凡的
同义替换：extraordinary、excellent、significant、prominent、wonder
unanticipated：adj.意料之外的
anticipate：v.预料，期望；在期限内履行（义务），偿还（债务）
Questions 27-34
Reading Passage 3 has seven sections,A-G.
Which section contains the following information?
Write the correct letter,A-G,in boxes 27-34 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
27 a reference to books that assume a lack of mathematical knowledge
28 the way in which this is not a typical book about mathematics
29 personal examples of being helped by mathematics
30 examples of people who each had abilities that seemed incompatible
31 mention of different focuses of books about mathematics
32 a contrast between reading this book and reading other kinds of publication
33 a claim that the whole of the book is accessible to everybody
34 a reference to different categories of intended readers of this book
note
a reference to books that assume a lack of mathematical knowledge
文中提及的那些假设读者缺乏数学知识的书
reference：n.参考；引用，提及；推荐信；adj.参考的，用于查阅的；文献索引的；v.提及；引用，参照（某书或某作者）
intended readers：目标读者
Questions 35-40
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 35-40 on your answer sheet.
35 Some areas of both music and mathematics are suitable for someone who is a ... .
36 It is sometimes possible to understand advanced mathematics using no more than a limited knowledge of ... .
37 The writer intends to show that mathematics requires ... thinking, as well as analytical skills.
38 Some books written by ... have had to leave out the mathematics that is central to their theories.
39 The writer advises non-mathematical readers to perform ... while reading the book.
40 A lawyer found that studying ... helped even more than other areas of mathematics in the study of law.
note
leave out：不包括，不提及，不纳入
📌 Answer
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- 27 D
- 28 B
- 29 G
- 20 C
- 31 B
- 32 E
- 33 A
- 34 F
- 35 beginner
- 36 arithmetic
- 37 intuitive
- 38 scientists
- 39 experiments
- 40 theorems