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25 Remote Warehouse Mathematics- General

Nature's Numbers: The Unreal Reality of Mathematics

by Ian Stewart

Nature's Numbers: The Unreal Reality of Mathematics Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

It appears to us that the universe is structured in a deeply mathematical way. Falling bodies fall with predictable accelerations. Eclipses can be accurately forecast centuries in advance. Nuclear power plants generate electricity according to well-known formulas. But those examples are the tip of the iceberg. In Nature's Numbers, Ian Stewart presents many more, each charming in its own way.. Stewart admirably captures compelling and accessible mathematical ideas along with the pleasure of thinking of them. He writes with clarity and precision. Those who enjoy this sort of thing will love this book. - Los Angeles Times

Synopsis:

Why do many flowers have five or eight petals, but very few have six or seven? Why do snowflakes have six-fold symmetry? Why do tigers have stripes, but leopards spots? Science writer Ian Stewart suggests mathematical regularities in natural forms and explains why math is the best tool yet for understanding the world around us. Illustrations.

Description:

Includes bibliographical references (p. 151-154) and index.

Table of Contents

  1. ch. 1.Natural order
  2. ch. 2.What mathematics is for
  3. ch. 3.What mathematics is about
  4. ch. 4.Constants of change
  5. ch. 5.From violins to videos
  6. ch. 6.Broken symmetry
  7. ch. 7.Rhythm of life
  8. ch. 8.Do dice play God? --ch. 9.Drops, dynamics, and daisies.

Product Details

ISBN:
9780465072743
Author:
Stewart, Ian
Publisher:
Basic Books
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Reference
Subject:
Mathematics
Subject:
Popular works
Subject:
General science
Subject:
Mathematics -- Popular works.
Series:
Science masters series
Series Volume:
41
Publication Date:
August 1997
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
176
Dimensions:
8.00x5.12x.47 in. .46 lbs.

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