In Pursuit of the Unknown : 17 Equations That Changed the World PDF
Preview In Pursuit of the Unknown : 17 Equations That Changed the World
“Stewart has a genius for explanation. . . . Mathematics doesn’t come more entertaining than this.” —New ScieNtiSt “Combines a deep understanding of math with an engaging literary style.” —the waShiNgtoN PoSt “Possibly mathematics’ most energetic evangelist.” —the SPectator (London) “Stewart is able to write about mathematics for general readers. He can make tricky ideas simple, and he can explain the maths of it with aplomb. . . . Stewart admirably captures compelling and accessible mathematical ideas along with the pleasure of thinking about them. He writes with clarity and precision.” —LoS aNgeLeS timeS “A highly gifted communicator, able not only to explain the motivation of mathematicians down the centuries but to elucidate the resulting mathematics with both clarity and style. The whole is leavened by his inimitable understated wit.” —the timeS educatioN SuPPLemeNt $26.99 US / $30.00 CAN ISBN 978-0-465-02973-0 9 7 8 0 4 6 5 0 2 9 7 3 0 5 2 6 9 9 M ost people are familiar with history’s great equations: Pythagoras’s theorem, for instance, or Newton’s Law of Gravity, or Einstein’s theory of relativity. But the way these mathematical breakthroughs have contributed to human progress is seldom appreciated. In his new work, In Pursuit of the Unknown, celebrated mathematician Ian Stewart untangles the roots of our most important mathematical statements to show that equations have long been a driving force behind nearly every aspect of our lives. Using seventeen of our most crucial equations, Stewart illustrates that many of the advances we now take for granted—in science, philosophy, technology, and beyond—were made possible by mathematical discoveries. For example, the Wave Equation allowed engineers to measure a building’s response to earthquakes, saving countless lives; without the Wave Equation, moreover, scientists would never have discovered electromagnetic waves, which in turn led to the invention of radio and television. The equation at the heart of information theory, devised by Claude Shannon, forms the basis for modern digital communication systems, which have revolutionized everything from politics to business to interpersonal relationships. And the Black-Scholes model, used by bankers to track the prices of financial derivatives over time, led to massive growth in the financial sector, thereby contributing to the banking crisis of 2008—the effects of which we are still feeling today. (continued on back flap) $26.99 US / $30.00 CAn (continued from front flap) mAthemAtiCS Pr ai se f or I an S te wa rt ≥ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ ≤ ≥ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ Φ ∞ Φ Δ ≤ 6.25” x 9.5” S: 1-1/8” B: 7/8” BASIC HC 4/COLOR FINISH: MATTE POLY SPOT GLOSS ON EQUATIONS ON FRONT COVER ian Stewart is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, active researcher at Warwick University in England, and author of many books on mathematics. His writing has also appeared in publications including New Scientist, Discover, and Scientific American. He lives in Coventry, England. Jacket design by Jennifer Carrow 03/12 An approachable, lively, and informative guide to the mathematical building blocks that form the foundations of modern life, In Pursuit of the Unknown is also a penetrating exploration of how we have long used equations to make sense of, and in turn influence, our world. © Avril Stewart A Member of the Perseus Books Group www.basicbooks.com I n P ur su it of th e Un kn o w n 17 E qu at io ns T ha t C ha ng ed th e W or ld Ia n St ew ar t Stewart In Pursuit of the Unknown 17 Equations That Changed the World IN PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN Also by Ian Stewart: Concepts of Modern Mathematics Game, Set, and Math The Problems of Mathematics Does God Play Dice? Another Fine Math You’ve Got Me into Fearful Symmetry (with Martin Golubitsky) Nature’s Numbers From Here to Infinity The Magical Maze Life’s Other Secret Flatterland What Shape Is a Snowflake? The Annotated Flatland Math Hysteria The Mayor of Uglyville’s Dilemma Letters to a Young Mathematician Why Beauty Is Truth How to Cut a Cake Taming the Infinite/The Story of Mathematics Professor Stewart’s Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities Professor Stewart’s Hoard of Mathematical Treasures Cows in the Maze Mathematics of Life with Terry Pratchett and Jack Cohen The Science of Discworld The Science of Discworld II: the Globe The Science of Discworld III: Darwin’s Watch with Jack Cohen The Collapse of Chaos Figments of Reality Evolving the Alien/What Does a Martian Look Like? Wheelers (science fiction) Heaven (science fiction) IN PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN 17 Equations That Changed the World IAN STEWART A Member of the Perseus Books Group New York ✺ Copyright © 2012 by Ian Stewart Published in the United States in 2012 by Basic Books, A Member of the Perseus Books Group Published in Great Britain in 2012 by Profile Books All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information, address Basic Books, 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-8810. Books published by Basic Books are available at special discounts for bulk purchases in the United States by corporations, institutions, and other organizations. For more information, please contact the Special Markets Department at the Perseus Books Group, 2300 Chestnut Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103, or call (800) 810-4145, ext. 5000, or e-mail
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