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Curves for the Mathematically Curious
An Anthology of the Unpredictable, Historical, Beautiful, and Romantic
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Curves for the Mathematically Curious
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a thoughtfully curated collection of ten mathematical curves, selected by Julian Havil for their significance, mathematical interest, and beauty. Each chapter gives an account of the history and definition of one curve, providing a glimpse into the elegant and often surprising mathematics involved in its creation and evolution.
In telling the ten stories, Havil introduces many mathematicians and other innovators, some whose fame has withstood the passing of years and others who have slipped into comparative obscurity. You will meet Pierre BΓ©zier, who is known for his ubiquitous and eponymous curves, and Adolphe Quetelet, who trumpeted the ubiquity of the normal curve but whose name now hides behind the modern body mass index. These and other ingenious thinkers engaged with the challenges, incongruities, and insights to be found in these remarkable curvesβand now you can share in this adventure.
Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a rigorous and enriching mathematical experience for anyone interested in curves, and the book is designed so that readers who choose can follow the details with pencil and paper. Every curve has a story worth telling.
'This is not your father's or grandfather's standard collection of conic sections.' - Jim Stein, New Books Network
'Undoubtedly [this book], written in the same entertaining unmistakable style of the author and containing a lot of information - mathematical, historical and general - will attract, as the previous ones, a large audience.' - S. Cobzas, Studia Mathematica
'What a beautiful book!' - Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica.org
'A wonderful addition to libraries where the mathematically curious find their reading.' - Choice
'Havil's narrative for each curve is a cornucopia of fun facts and rigorous explanation.' - Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligence
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Curves for the Mathematically Curious by Julian Havil is praised for its engaging narrative, blending mathematics, history, and entertainment. Reviewers commend its rich content, appealing to both the mathematically inclined and those looking to explore beyond the basics. The book is noted for its entertaining style, beautiful presentation, and depth, making it a worthwhile addition to any library or personal collection.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691206134
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 November 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Illustration: 125 b/w illus.
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 203.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 280
About the Author
Julian Havil is the author of John Napier: Life, Logarithms, and Legacy; The Irrationals: A Story of the Numbers You Can't Count On; Impossible? Surprising Solutions to Counterintuitive Conundrums; Nonplussed! Mathematical Proof of Implausible Ideas; and Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant (all Princeton). He is a retired former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for more than three decades.
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