Paul J. Nahin
When Least Is Best: How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible
When Least Is Best: How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible
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When Least Is Best explores the mathematical history of extrema and contemporary examples, such as photographing a speeding bullet, finding lost hikers, and light moving through glass. It demonstrates how life often works at the extremes and how mathematicians have grappled with these problems.
Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
A Mathematical Journey Through the Fascinating Problems of Extremes and How to Solve Them
What is the best way to photograph a speeding bullet? How can lost hikers find their way out of a forest? Why does light move through glass in the least amount of time possible? These intriguing questions and many more are explored in the captivating book When Least Is Best. Author Paul Nahin takes readers on a mathematical journey through the history of extrema, highlighting how life often operates at the extremes, with values reaching as small or as large as possible. Nahin examines how mathematicians throughout centuries, including Descartes, Fermat, and Kepler, have grappled with these problems of minima and maxima.
Throughout the book, Nahin presents entertaining conundrums, such as building the shortest bridge possible between two towns, varying speed during a race, and making the perfect basketball shot. He moves from medieval writings and modern calculus to the field of optimization, providing engaging and witty explorations that will delight math enthusiasts everywhere.
Conclusion:
When Least Is Best is a must-read for anyone interested in mathematics, physics, or the wonders of the natural world. It offers a unique perspective on the problems of extremes and demonstrates how mathematics can be used to solve them. With its engaging writing style and captivating examples, this book will inspire and delight readers of all ages and skill levels.
Weight: 400g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691218762
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