While it is well known that the Delian problems are impossible to solve with a straightedge and compass – for example, it is impossible to construct a segment whose length is cube root of 2 with these instruments – the discovery of the Italian mathematician Margherita Beloch Piazzolla in 1934 that one can in fact construct a segment of length cube root of 2 with a single paper fold was completely ignored (till the end of the 1980s). This comes as no surprise, since with few exceptions paper folding was seldom considered as a mathematical practice, let alone as a mathematical procedure of inference or proof that could prompt novel mathematical discoveries. A few questions immediately arise: Why did paper folding become a non-instrument? What caused the marginalisation of this technique? And how was the mathematical knowledge, which was nevertheless transmitted and prompted by paper folding, later treated and conceptualised? Aiming to answer these questions, this volume provides, for the first time, an extensive historical study on the history of folding in mathematics, spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century, and offers a general study on the ways mathematical knowledge is marginalised, disappears, is ignored or becomes obsolete. In doing so, it makes a valuable contribution to the field of history and philosophy of science, particularly the history and philosophy of mathematics and is highly recommended for anyone interested in these topics.

Written by a world expert on the subject, Origametry is the first complete reference on the mathematics of origami. It is an essential reference for researchers of origami mathematics and applications in physics, engineering, and design. Educators, students, and enthusiasts will also enjoy this fascinating account of the mathematics of folding.

Origami is the art of paper folding without the use of either scissors or glue. Each of the beautiful and fundamental mathematical shapes described in this book is achieved by folding sheets of standard A4 paper. It is remarkable what can been done and David Mitchell gives clear step by step instructions for each. He has gathered together a most impressive collection which will amaze and interest mathematics teachers and other admirers of pure geometrical forms. This new second edition extends the selection massively and has been split into two volumes - see contents.

Did you know that any straight-line drawing on paper can be folded so that the complete drawing can be cut out with one straight scissors cut? That there is a planar linkage that can trace out any algebraic curve, or even 'sign your name'? Or that a 'Latin cross' unfolding of a cube can be refolded to 23 different convex polyhedra? Over the past decade, there has been a surge of interest in such problems, with applications ranging from robotics to protein folding. With an emphasis on algorithmic or computational aspects, this treatment gives hundreds of results and over 60 unsolved 'open problems' to inspire further research. The authors cover one-dimensional (1D) objects (linkages), 2D objects (paper), and 3D objects (polyhedra). Aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics or computer science, this lavishly illustrated book will fascinate a broad audience, from school students to researchers.

The art of origami, or paper folding, is carried out using a square piece of paper to obtain attractive figures of animals, flowers or other familiar figures. It is easy to see that origami has links with geometry. Creases and edges represent lines, intersecting creases and edges make angles, while the intersections themselves represent points. Because of its manipulative and experiential nature, origami could become an effective context for the learning and teaching of geometry.In this unique and original book, origami is an object of mathematical exploration. The activities in this book differ from ordinary origami in that no figures of objects result. Rather, they lead the reader to study the effects of the folding and seek patterns. The experimental approach that characterizes much of science activity can be recognized throughout the book, as the manipulative nature of origami allows much experimenting, comparing, visualizing, discovering and conjecturing. The reader is encouraged to fill in all the proofs, for his/her own satisfaction and for the sake of mathematical completeness. Thus, this book provides a useful, alternative approach for reinforcing and applying the theorems of high school mathematics.

It is only recently, with the increasing interest in origami and folding in natural sciences and the humanities, that the fold as a new conception in a whole range of disciplines has begun to be conceived in a broader way. Folding as a material and structural process offers a new methodology to think about the close relationship of matter, form and code. It henceforth crosses out old dichotomies, such as the organic and the inorganic or nature and technology, and blurs the boundaries between experimental, conceptual and historical approaches. This anthology aims to unfold this new interdisciplinary field and its disciplinary impact, ranging from materials science, biology, architecture, and mathematics to literature and philosophy.

Space probes, self-assembling robots, crash-absorbing cars, and designer proteins all have one thing in common: their use of folding technologies. To develop these technologies, engineers are taking inspiration from an unusual source—origami, the ancient art of paper folding. Examine origami's origins, how it intersects with mathematics, and how it became a tool to solve some of the most complicated challenges in engineering, architecture, technology, and medicine today. Plus, get a close-up look at these technologies with two augmented reality images included in the book!

Find out More Origami with Explanations: Fun with Folding and MathOrigami, paper folding, originated hundreds of years ago in China and Japan, with independent discovery and activity across the world. The most familiar origami models are the crane and the flapping bird. This book will introduce you to origami, starting with a jumping frog and including traditional and modern models. Carefully written instructions, using photos and diagrams, will show you the main origami bases, turn you into a successful folder and stimulate your own creativity. Explanations will include attention to spatial relations, geometry, algebra, and pattern finding. The explanations provide insight into the origami while the folding will help your understanding of mathematics.

Origami5 continues in the excellent tradition of its four previous incarnations, documenting work presented at an extraordinary series of meetings that explored the connections between origami, mathematics, science, technology, education, and other academic fields.The fifth such meeting, 5OSME (July 13-17, 2010, Singapore Management University) fol

Unfolding Mathematics With Unit Origami At last-an origami book designed specifically for mathematics classrooms! Origami books are typically written by origami experts and aimed at origami enthusiasts. This art form lends itself wonderfully to teaching mathematicsbut it's been up to you to find ways to do it. Now comes Unfolding Mathematics with Unit Origami, designed especially for algebra and geometry students in high school or middle school. Its elegant illustrations and detailed folding and assembly instructions enable you and your students to create beautiful and intriguing three-dimensional origami models. Its 16 absorbing activitiesall in blackline master formhave been carefully prepared in order of increasing difficulty of both folds and mathematical concepts. Through origami folding sequences, basic mathematical ideas reveal themselves: algebraic and angle relationships and different types of symmetry in two and three dimensions will engage your students'interest in new ways. You can choose activities from anywhere in the book, but if you move from front to back you'll cover an amazingly broad range of mathematical topics. And while the book's purpose is to teach mathematics, it also introduces students to the art of origami and contributions made to that art by noted origami experts, such as Tomoko Fus, Kunihiko Kasahara, David Masunaga, and Robert Neale. Most activities can be done in one class period and offer opportunities for group work, journal writing, and projects. Autobiographical vignettes by origami artists introduce students to origami culture and prompt students to discuss their own experiences with origami. The overview explains how you can best use this book in your classroom, including methods for assessing student work. Every activity gives you teaching ideas and strategies, as well as suggestions for extensions of the activity. There's also a glossary of terms and a list of recommended readings.