How Math Explains the World: A Guide to the Power of Numbers, from Car Repair to Modern Physics
Language: English
Published by Smithsonian Books/HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2008
- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Theoria Books, Andover, MA, U.S.A.Theoria Books
AbeBooks seller since June 12, 2016
Condition: Used - Fine
US$ 15.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
264pp., xxi. '1' in number line. Gray boards with brilliant metallic red lettering on spine; very light uniform age-toning to edges and (less) to text. Shiny white dustwrapper not price-clipped ($24.95) with lined graph paper background for title lettering in black across top front cover, above illustration of "mechanic", as if he's beneath an auto strategically constituted by an arrangement of red and black numerals, a crescent wrench by "mechanic's" side. Only flaw to book is thin lines of fading beneath dw edges (dw edges NOT faded), diminishing the gray, else As New: Tight spine, sharp corners, no rubbing wear, no previous owner names. Clean text. Unread copy.
Seller Inventory # 000976
- Title
- How Math Explains the World: A Guide to the Power of Numbers, from Car Repair to Modern Physics
- Author
- Stein, James D.
- Publisher
- Smithsonian Books/HarperCollins Publishers, New York
- Publication year
- 2008
- Condition
- Fine
- Dust jacket
- As New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0061241768
- ISBN 13
- 9780061241765
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Dimensions
- 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall
In How Math Explains the World, mathematician Stein reveals how seemingly arcane mathematical investigations and discoveries have led to bigger, more world-shaking insights into the nature of our world. In the four main sections of the book, Stein tells the stories of the mathematical thinkers who discerned some of the most fundamental aspects of our universe. From their successes and failures, delusions, and even duels, the trajectories of their innovations—and their impact on society—are traced in this fascinating narrative. Quantum mechanics, space-time, chaos theory and the workings of complex systems, and the impossibility of a "perfect" democracy are all here. Stein's book is both mind-bending and practical, as he explains the best way for a salesman to plan a trip, examines why any thought you could have is imbedded in the number π , and—perhaps most importantly—answers one of the modern world's toughest questions: why the garage can never get your car repaired on time.
Friendly, entertaining, and fun, How Math Explains the World is the first book by one of California's most popular math teachers, a veteran of both "math for poets" and Princeton's Institute for Advanced Studies. And it's perfect for any reader wanting to know how math makes both science and the world tick.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
James D. Stein is a professor of mathematics at California State University, Long Beach. A graduate of Yale University and the University of California, Berkeley, he lives in Redondo Beach, California.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Theoria Books
Andover, MA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since June 12, 2016
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Retired academic's reference library with specialization in philosophy, religion, science, and mathematics--all scholarly subject areas; Pre-Socratics to contemporary; biographies; some series collections. General stock also, including fiction, poetry, literary criticism, mysteries, some foreign language, children's, history, sociology, psychology, education. Some signed copies.
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Theoria Books
MA, U.S.A.
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