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What's the Use?

The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics
By Professor Ian Stewart
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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
What's the Use? by Professor Ian Stewart explores the intriguing world of mathematics and its real-world applications. The book delves into how mathematical concepts, often perceived as abstract, are essential in solving practical problems in areas such as technology, medicine, and the environment. It's an illuminating journey that reveals the hidden power and beauty of mathematics in shaping and understanding the world around us.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might like this book if you're intrigued by how mathematics is applied in the real world. This exploration reveals the surprising ways mathematical concepts influence our daily lives, from technology to nature, providing a fresh perspective on the utility and beauty of mathematics.

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A bestselling author tries to rehabilitate a much-maligned field.

A bestselling author tries to rehabilitate a much-maligned field

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

'Stewart is Britain's most brilliant and prolific populariser of maths' - Alex Bellos

'The instructive equivalent of a Michelin-starred tasting menu' - Tim Radford

Many people think mathematics is useless. They're wrong. In the UK, the 2.8 million people employed in mathematical science occupations contributed £208 billion to the economy in a single year - that's 10 per cent of the workforce contributing 16 per cent of the economy.

What's the Use? asks why there is such a vast gulf between public perceptions of mathematics and reality. It shows how mathematics is vital, often in surprising ways, behind the scenes of daily life. How politicians pick their voters. How an absurd little puzzle solved 300 years ago leads to efficient methods for kidney transplants. And how a bizarre, infinitely wiggly curve helps to optimise deliveries to your door.

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?

What's the Use? by Professor Ian Stewart is lauded for its blend of pure and applied mathematics, engaging storytelling, and clarity in explaining complex concepts. The book is celebrated for being both humbling and inspiring while illustrating the transformative power of mathematical thought over centuries. Reviewers praise Stewart's wit, wisdom, and captivating narrative, making the subject accessible and fascinating for readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781781259429

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Illustration: c. 40 line

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 336

Collections

Education & Reference Non-Fiction Professor Ian Stewart Science & Nature

About the Author

Ian Stewart is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Warwick and the author of the bestseller Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities. His recent books include Do Dice Play God?, Significant Figures, Incredible Numbers and Seventeen Equations that Changed the World (all published by Profile). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society.

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