In 'Infinite Powers', Steven Strogatz uncovers the astounding world of calculus, revealing how this mathematical tool shapes our understanding of the universe. He takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of calculus, from its origins to its profound implications in modern science. With eloquence and clarity, Strogatz illustrates how calculus enables us to grasp complex concepts, such as motion, change, and infinity. This exploration highlights not just the subject's beauty, but its essential role in everything from physics to economics. Prepare to be inspired as you discover how calculus is intertwined with the very fabric of reality.
By Steven Strogatz
Published: 2019
"Mathematics is not just a tool for science; it is a language that reveals the hidden patterns of the universe."
From preeminent math personality and author of The Joy of x, a brilliant and endlessly appealing explanation of calculus - how it works and why it makes our lives immeasurably better. Without calculus, we wouldn't have cell phones, TV, GPS, or ultrasound. We wouldn't have unraveled DNA or discovered Neptune or figured out how to put 5,000 songs in your pocket. Though many of us were scared away from this essential, engrossing subject in high school and college, Steven Strogatz's brilliantly creative, down‑to‑earth history shows that calculus is not about complexity; it's about simplicity. It harnesses an unreal number--infinity--to tackle real‑world problems, breaking them down into easier ones and then reassembling the answers into solutions that feel miraculous. Infinite Powers recounts how calculus tantalized and thrilled its inventors, starting with its first glimmers in ancient Greece and bringing us right up to the discovery of gravitational waves (a phenomenon predicted by calculus). Strogatz reveals how this form of math rose to the challenges of each age: how to determine the area of a circle with only sand and a stick; how to explain why Mars goes "backwards" sometimes; how to make electricity with magnets; how to ensure your rocket doesn't miss the moon; how to turn the tide in the fight against AIDS. As Strogatz proves, calculus is truly the language of the universe. By unveiling the principles of that language, Infinite Powers makes us marvel at the world anew.
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“Mathematics is not just a tool for science; it is a language that reveals the hidden patterns of the universe.”
Infinite Powers
By Steven Strogatz
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Steven Strogatz is a distinguished mathematician and professor known for his contributions to the fields of applied mathematics and nonlinear dynamics. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including "The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity," "Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order," and "The Infinite Zoo: A New Way to Think About the World." Strogatz's writing is characterized by its accessibility and ability to connect complex mathematical concepts to everyday life, making mathematics relatable and engaging for a wide audience. His work has been recognized for its clarity, wit, and ability to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.
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