Everybody knows that mathematics is indispensable to physics--imagine where we'd be today if Einstein and Newton didn't have the math to back up their ideas. But how many people realize that physics can be used to produce many astonishing and strikingly elegant solutions in mathematics? Mark Levi shows how in this delightful book, treating readers to a host of entertaining problems and mind-bending puzzlers that will amuse and inspire their inner physicist. Levi turns math and physics upside down, revealing how physics can simplify proofs and lead to quicker solutions and new theorems, and how physical solutions can illustrate why results are true in ways lengthy mathematical calculations never can. Did you know it's possible to derive the Pythagorean theorem by spinning a fish tank filled with water? Or that soap film holds the key to determining the cheapest container for a given volume? Or that the line of best fit for a data set can be found using a mechanical contraption
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Mark Levi is professor of mathematics at Pennsylvania State University and the author of Why Cats Land on Their Feet (Princeton).
"What a fun book! Mark Levi's physical arguments are so clever and surprising that they made me laugh with pleasure, again and again.The Mathematical Mechanic is downright magical--a real treat for anyone who loves intuition."--Steven Strogatz, author ofSync: How Order Emerges from Chaos in the Universe, Nature, and Daily Life
"This is an absolutely delightful book, full of surprises--even for mathematicians like myself--and beautifully written. It can be enjoyed by anyone, from someone just learning calculus to professional mathematicians and physicists."--Louis Nirenberg, recipient of the National Medal of Science
"This is an extraordinary book that only Mark Levi could have written. No one interested in mathematics or physics can fail to be amazed and delighted. It is witty and charming as well as deep, and accessible with very little background required--a tour de force!"--Nancy Kopell, Boston University, MacArthur Fellow
"The most imaginative and charming book on mechanics and geometry in the last fifty years--for lighting up tea times, for thrilling classrooms, as a present for a special friend, as company on a desert island."--Tadashi Tokieda, University of Cambridge
"This book shows how many mathematical theorems can be proved by looking at them in mechanical or geometrical terms. I found it to be very interesting and fun to read. I recommend it most enthusiastically."--Joseph Keller, recipient of the National Medal of Science
"The Mathematical Mechanic jazzes up the old married couple, math and physics. The book breathes fresh air into the (sometimes stale) relationship and invites us to rethink familiar topics in unfamiliar ways. It disorients us in the most delightful manner. Mark Levi's razor-edge writing and gentle humor permeate every page. I will turn to this book again and again for inspiration on teaching math to high school students."--Gregory Somers, State College Area High School, recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching
"This book is a fresh, insightful, and highly original presentation of mathematical physics that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. I have not seen anything like it before. It is a book that a physicist or engineer would be proud to have written, and the fact that it has been written by a mathematician only adds to the book's authority. A definite winner."--Paul J. Nahin, author ofDigital Dice
"I know of no other book quite like this, or even similar to it. After a couple of sentences of the introduction, I was hooked. The general theme--to show how physical reasoning can illuminate mathematical ideas and simplify proofs--is very attractive. This book will appeal to math enthusiasts at all levels, from high-school students on up."--Philip Holmes, coauthor ofCelestial Encounters
"What a fun book! Mark Levi's physical arguments are so clever and surprising that they made me laugh with pleasure, again and again. The Mathematical Mechanic is downright magical--a real treat for anyone who loves intuition."--Steven Strogatz, author of Sync: How Order Emerges from Chaos in the Universe, Nature, and Daily Life
"This is an absolutely delightful book, full of surprises--even for mathematicians like myself--and beautifully written. It can be enjoyed by anyone, from someone just learning calculus to professional mathematicians and physicists."--Louis Nirenberg, recipient of the National Medal of Science
"This is an extraordinary book that only Mark Levi could have written. No one interested in mathematics or physics can fail to be amazed and delighted. It is witty and charming as well as deep, and accessible with very little background required--a tour de force!"--Nancy Kopell, Boston University, MacArthur Fellow
"The most imaginative and charming book on mechanics and geometry in the last fifty years--for lighting up tea times, for thrilling classrooms, as a present for a special friend, as company on a desert island."--Tadashi Tokieda, University of Cambridge
"This book shows how many mathematical theorems can be proved by looking at them in mechanical or geometrical terms. I found it to be very interesting and fun to read. I recommend it most enthusiastically."--Joseph Keller, recipient of the National Medal of Science
"The Mathematical Mechanic jazzes up the old married couple, math and physics. The book breathes fresh air into the (sometimes stale) relationship and invites us to rethink familiar topics in unfamiliar ways. It disorients us in the most delightful manner. Mark Levi's razor-edge writing and gentle humor permeate every page. I will turn to this book again and again for inspiration on teaching math to high school students."--Gregory Somers, State College Area High School, recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching
"This book is a fresh, insightful, and highly original presentation of mathematical physics that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. I have not seen anything like it before. It is a book that a physicist or engineer would be proud to have written, and the fact that it has been written by a mathematician only adds to the book's authority. A definite winner."--Paul J. Nahin, author of Digital Dice
"I know of no other book quite like this, or even similar to it. After a couple of sentences of the introduction, I was hooked. The general theme--to show how physical reasoning can illuminate mathematical ideas and simplify proofs--is very attractive. This book will appeal to math enthusiasts at all levels, from high-school students on up."--Philip Holmes, coauthor of Celestial Encounters
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
FREE shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsUS$ 13.53 shipping from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00085400670
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bulk Book Warehouse, Rotterdam, NY, U.S.A.
Condition: Acceptable. Shows wear such as frayed or folded edges, rips and tears, and/or worn binding. May have stickers and/or contain inscription on title page. No observed missing pages. Seller Inventory # 581QRT000C78_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 9847371-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 4577925-20
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 5896613-6
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 9847371-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.1. Seller Inventory # G0691140200I4N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bay State Book Company, North Smithfield, RI, U.S.A.
Condition: good. The book is in good condition with all pages and cover intact, including the dust jacket if originally issued. The spine may show light wear. Pages may contain some notes or highlighting, and there might be a "From the library of" label. Boxed set packaging, shrink wrap, or included media like CDs may be missing. Seller Inventory # BSM.LYTV
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001948150
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # wbs5357841805
Quantity: 1 available