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When Least Is Best
How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible
Series: Princeton Science Library
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See moreA mathematical journey through the most fascinating problems of extremes and how to solve themWhat is the best way to photograph a speeding bullet? How can lost hikers find their way out of a forest? Why does light move through glass in the least amount of time possible? When Least Is Best combines the mathematical history of extrema with conte
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
A mathematical journey through the most fascinating problems of extremes and how to solve them
What is the best way to photograph a speeding bullet? How can lost hikers find their way out of a forest? Why does light move through glass in the least amount of time possible? When Least Is Best combines the mathematical history of extrema with contemporary examples to answer these intriguing questions and more. Paul Nahin shows how life often works at the extremes β with values becoming as small (or as large) as possible β and he considers how mathematicians over the centuries, including Descartes, Fermat, and Kepler, have grappled with these problems of minima and maxima.
Throughout, Nahin examines entertaining conundrums, such as how to build the shortest bridge possible between two towns, how to vary speed during a race, and how to make the perfect basketball shot. Moving from medieval writings and modern calculus to the field of optimisation, the engaging and witty explorations of When Least Is Best will delight math enthusiasts everywhere.
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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?
When Least Is Best by Paul Nahin is praised for its clarity and engaging style. The book is described as fascinating and essential for those interested in science, especially those who enjoy puzzle-solving and discovering new methods for tackling old and new challenges.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691218762
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 18 May 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Illustration: 99 b/w illus.
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 406
About the Author
Paul J. Nahin is the author of many popular math books, including How to Fall Slower Than Gravity and Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons (both Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire.
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