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In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World
by Stewart, Ian
- Used
- near fine
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Near Fine
- ISBN 10
- 0465029736
- ISBN 13
- 9780465029730
- Seller
-
Kraków, Poland
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Basic Books, 2012 8vo (24 cm), X, 342 pp. Publisher's cloth backed boards and dust jacket (dj slightly rubbed). "Celebrated mathematician Ian Stewart uses a handful of mathematical equations to explore the vitally important connections between math and human progress. We often overlook the historical link between mathematics and technological advances, says Stewart--but this connection is integral to any complete understanding of human history. Equations are modeled on the patterns we find in the world around us, says Stewart, and it is through equations that we are able to make sense of, and in turn influence, our world. Stewart locates the origins of each equation he presents--from Pythagoras's Theorem to Newton's Law of Gravity to Einstein's Theory of Relativity--within a particular historical moment, elucidating the development of mathematical and philosophical thought necessary for each equation's discovery. None of these equations emerged in a vacuum, Stewart shows; each drew, in some way, on past equations and the thinking of the day. In turn, all of these equations paved the way for major developments in mathematics, science, philosophy, and technology. Without logarithms (invented in the early 17th century by John Napier and improved by Henry Briggs), scientists would not have been able to calculate the movement of the planets, and mathematicians would not have been able to develop fractal geometry. The Wave Equation is one of the most important equations in physics, and is crucial for engineers studying the vibrations in vehicles and the response of buildings to earthquakes. And the equation at the heart of Information Theory, devised by Claude Shannon, is the basis of digital communication today. An approachable and informative guide to the equations upon which nearly every aspect of scientific and mathematical understanding depends, In Pursuit of the Unknown is also a reminder that equations have profoundly influenced our thinking and continue to make possible many of the advances that we take for granted." (publisher's synopsis)
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Details
- Bookseller
- Leopolis Volodymyr Dmyterko
(PL)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 008667
- Title
- In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World
- Author
- Stewart, Ian
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Near Fine
- Quantity Available
- 1
- ISBN 10
- 0465029736
- ISBN 13
- 9780465029730
- Publisher
- Basic Books
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 2012
- Bookseller catalogs
- Mathematics;
Terms of Sale
Leopolis Volodymyr Dmyterko
Any book may be returned within 14 days for any reason. All books remain our property until paid for in full. Export of books, manuscripts, maps etc. is subject to the Act of 23 July 2003 on the protection of arts and antiquities. Orders usually ship within 3 business days via priority or express mail, with tracking.
About the Seller
Leopolis Volodymyr Dmyterko
Biblio member since 2019
Kraków
About Leopolis Volodymyr Dmyterko
Specializing in mathematical sciences, Church Slavonic and Slavic books, Eastern European history, travels and topography, bibliography, history and art of the book, history of libraries and collections
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