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Marcus du Sautoy

Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut

Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut

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Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy explores the art of shortcuts in mathematics, looking at how they have enabled human progress and how to use them in investing, learning a musical instrument, and everyday complex problems. He discusses the most useful shortcuts in history and talks to experts about whether they are always the best idea. Thinking Better offers clever strategies for finding solutions quickly.

Format: Hardback
Length: 354 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers


Mathematics is a rich field of thought that has been around for over 2,000 years, and Oxford mathematician Marcus du Sautoy explores its fascination with shortcuts in this fresh and captivating guide. Shortcuts have played a crucial role in human progress, from the construction of the first cities around the Euphrates to the use of calculus to determine the scale of the universe and the development of algorithms that help us find new life partners.

In addition to examining the most useful shortcuts in history, such as measuring the circumference of the earth in 240 BC and diagrams that illustrate how modern GPS works, Marcus also looks at how shortcuts can be used in investing and learning musical instruments. He talks to a variety of experts, including writer Robert MacFarlane, cellist Natalie Clein, and psychologist Suzie Orbach, to explore whether shortcuts are always the best idea and when they can be used effectively.

Thinking Better offers many clever strategies for daily complex problems, with engaging puzzles and conundrums throughout to illustrate the shortcuts' ability to find solutions quickly. Whether you're looking to improve your mathematical thinking, invest more efficiently, or learn a musical instrument more quickly, this guide provides valuable insights and techniques to help you achieve your goals.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008393915

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