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In Pursuit of Zeta-3

The World's Most Mysterious Unsolved Math Problem
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Pursuit of Zeta-3 explores the enduring mathematical challenge of the sum of the reciprocals of positive integers cubedโ€”known as zeta-3. Paul Nahin traces the problemโ€™s rich history from Eulerโ€™s 18th-century efforts to modern-day significance, linking it to the famous Riemann hypothesis and the area of Euler sums. The book highlights why solving the zeta-3 problem matters beyond pure mathematics, with implications in physics and engineering such as quantum electrodynamics. Detailed examples, historical anecdotes, and poetry enliven the narrative, while challenge problems with solutions and MATLAB code deepen understanding.
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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?

This book is ideal for curious math enthusiasts, students, and professionals interested in mathematical puzzles, history, and its applications in physics and engineering. It suits readers who enjoy both storytelling and technical exploration.

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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

For centuries, mathematicians the world over have tried, and failed, to solve the zeta-3 problem. Math genius Leonhard Euler attempted it in the 1700s and came up short. The straightforward puzzle considers if there exists a simple symbolic formula for the following: 1+(1/2)^3+(1/3)^3+(1/4)^3+... But why is this issueโ€”the sum of the reciprocals of the positive integers cubedโ€”so important? With In Pursuit of Zeta-3, popular math writer Paul Nahin investigates the history and significance of this mathematical conundrum.

Drawing on detailed examples, historical anecdotes, and even occasionally poetry, Nahin sheds light on the richness of the nature of zeta-3. He shows its intimate connections to the Riemann hypothesis, another mathematical mystery that has stumped mathematicians for nearly two centuries. He looks at its links with Euler's achievements and explores the modern research area of Euler sums, where zeta-3 occurs frequently. An exact solution to the zeta-3 question wouldn't simply satisfy pure mathematical interest; it would have critical ramifications for applications in physics and engineering, such as quantum electrodynamics. Challenge problems with detailed solutions and MATLAB code are included at the end of each of the book's sections.

Detailing the trials and tribulations of mathematicians who have approached one of the field's great unsolved riddles, In Pursuit of Zeta-3 will tantalise curious math enthusiasts everywhere.

'Nahin's style is entertaining, directly addressing his readers... Highly recommended.' โ€” Adhemar Bultheel, MAA Reviews

'This book will be both enjoyable and a rich source of useful as well as intriguing information to a wide range of readers.' โ€” Michael Th. Rassias, zbMATH Open

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?

Nahin's style is entertaining and directly addresses readers, making the complex topic accessible. Reviewers appreciate its enjoyment and usefulness across a broad audience, describing it as both intriguing and rich in information. It is highly recommended for those interested in mathematics.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691247649

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 May 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 23 b/w illus.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 344

About the Author

Paul J. Nahin is the author of many popular math books, including How to Fall Slower Than Gravity, Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula, and An Imaginary Tale (all Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire and received the 2017 Chandler Davis Prize for Excellence in Expository Writing in Mathematics. He lives in Exeter, New Hampshire.

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