Author : Paul Nahin
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 245 pages
File Size : 28,49 MB
Release : 2017-04-04
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 0691176000
Third printing. First paperback printing. Original copyright date: 2013.
Author : G. Polya
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 300 pages
File Size : 48,56 MB
Release : 1990-08-23
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9780691025094
"Here the author of How to Solve It explains how to become a "good guesser." Marked by G. Polya's simple, energetic prose and use of clever examples from a wide range of human activities, this two-volume work explores techniques of guessing, inductive reasoning, and reasoning by analogy, and the role they play in the most rigorous of deductive disciplines."--Book cover.
Author : Paul Nahin
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 297 pages
File Size : 31,84 MB
Release : 2010-02-22
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 1400833892
Today complex numbers have such widespread practical use--from electrical engineering to aeronautics--that few people would expect the story behind their derivation to be filled with adventure and enigma. In An Imaginary Tale, Paul Nahin tells the 2000-year-old history of one of mathematics' most elusive numbers, the square root of minus one, also known as i. He recreates the baffling mathematical problems that conjured it up, and the colorful characters who tried to solve them. In 1878, when two brothers stole a mathematical papyrus from the ancient Egyptian burial site in the Valley of Kings, they led scholars to the earliest known occurrence of the square root of a negative number. The papyrus offered a specific numerical example of how to calculate the volume of a truncated square pyramid, which implied the need for i. In the first century, the mathematician-engineer Heron of Alexandria encountered I in a separate project, but fudged the arithmetic; medieval mathematicians stumbled upon the concept while grappling with the meaning of negative numbers, but dismissed their square roots as nonsense. By the time of Descartes, a theoretical use for these elusive square roots--now called "imaginary numbers"--was suspected, but efforts to solve them led to intense, bitter debates. The notorious i finally won acceptance and was put to use in complex analysis and theoretical physics in Napoleonic times. Addressing readers with both a general and scholarly interest in mathematics, Nahin weaves into this narrative entertaining historical facts and mathematical discussions, including the application of complex numbers and functions to important problems, such as Kepler's laws of planetary motion and ac electrical circuits. This book can be read as an engaging history, almost a biography, of one of the most evasive and pervasive "numbers" in all of mathematics. Some images inside the book are unavailable due to digital copyright restrictions.
Author : Paul J. Nahin
Publisher : Springer
Page : 209 pages
File Size : 11,19 MB
Release : 2018-07-05
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 3319775987
This book offers a concise introduction to the analysis of electrical transients aimed at students who have completed introductory circuits and freshman calculus courses. While it is written under the assumption that these students are encountering transient electrical circuits for the first time, the mathematical and physical theory is not ‘watered-down.’ That is, the analysis of both lumped and continuous (transmission line) parameter circuits is performed with the use of differential equations (both ordinary and partial) in the time domain, and the Laplace transform. The transform is fully developed in the book for readers who are not assumed to have seen it before. The use of singular time functions (unit step and impulse) is addressed and illustrated through detailed examples. The appearance of paradoxical circuit situations, often ignored in many textbooks (because they are, perhaps, considered ‘difficult’ to explain) is fully embraced as an opportunity to challenge students. In addition, historical commentary is included throughout the book, to combat the misconception that the material in engineering textbooks was found engraved on Biblical stones, rather than painstakingly discovered by people of genius who often went down many wrong paths before finding the right one. MATLAB® is used throughout the book, with simple codes to quickly and easily generate transient response curves.
Author : Paul J. Nahin
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 416 pages
File Size : 16,60 MB
Release : 2017-04-04
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 0691175918
In the mid-eighteenth century, Swiss-born mathematician Leonhard Euler developed a formula so innovative and complex that it continues to inspire research, discussion, and even the occasional limerick. Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula shares the fascinating story of this groundbreaking formula—long regarded as the gold standard for mathematical beauty—and shows why it still lies at the heart of complex number theory. In some ways a sequel to Nahin's An Imaginary Tale, this book examines the many applications of complex numbers alongside intriguing stories from the history of mathematics. Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula is accessible to any reader familiar with calculus and differential equations, and promises to inspire mathematicians for years to come.
Author : Paul J. Nahin
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 11,21 MB
Release : 2022-05-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 0691207844
An entertaining mathematical exploration of the heat equation and its role in the triumphant development of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable Heat, like gravity, shapes nearly every aspect of our world and universe, from how milk dissolves in coffee to how molten planets cool. The heat equation, a cornerstone of modern physics, demystifies such processes, painting a mathematical picture of the way heat diffuses through matter. Presenting the mathematics and history behind the heat equation, Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons tells the remarkable story of how this foundational idea brought about one of the greatest technological advancements of the modern era. Paul Nahin vividly recounts the heat equation’s tremendous influence on society, showing how French mathematical physicist Joseph Fourier discovered, derived, and solved the equation in the early nineteenth century. Nahin then follows Scottish physicist William Thomson, whose further analysis of Fourier’s explorations led to the pioneering trans-Atlantic telegraph cable. This feat of engineering reduced the time it took to send a message across the ocean from weeks to minutes. Readers also learn that Thomson used Fourier’s solutions to calculate the age of the earth, and, in a bit of colorful lore, that writer Charles Dickens relied on the trans-Atlantic cable to save himself from a career-damaging scandal. The book’s mathematical and scientific explorations can be easily understood by anyone with a basic knowledge of high school calculus and physics, and MATLAB code is included to aid readers who would like to solve the heat equation themselves. A testament to the intricate links between mathematics and physics, Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons offers a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between a formative equation and one of the most important developments in the history of human communication.
Author : Stan Baronett
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 136 pages
File Size : 37,61 MB
Release : 2021-08-12
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 1350178926
Find out what connects logic and humor in this alternative guide to logical reasoning. Combining jokes, stories, and ironic situations, Stan Baronett shows how it is possible to ground the language of logic in everyday experience. Each chapter introduces a basic logical reasoning concept based on happenings in daily life. Using jokes as his examples, Baronett reveals the inner workings of logic. After all an effective joke often relies on an unanticipated assumption that leads to an unexpected result. The assumption changes the normal context of an everyday situation, so we are surprised by the ending. A complex mind that learns from experience, and builds a storehouse of regularly recurring patterns, is a great survival tool. But for a joke to work, the punch line has to be something our minds don't logically anticipate. The ending jolts our minds for a split second while we grasp the absurdity of the situation. This is how logic works: one part of your mind determines whether the information you are receiving is true or false, while another part of your mind deals with logical consequences. Injecting a sense of humor into logical language, Baronett helps us understand how to analyze basic logical reasoning and provides light relief for anyone daunted by the complex world of logic.
Author : Jimmy Soni
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 487 pages
File Size : 39,29 MB
Release : 2017-07-18
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 1476766703
Winner of the Neumann Prize for the History of Mathematics "We owe Claude Shannon a lot, and Soni & Goodman’s book takes a big first step in paying that debt." —San Francisco Review of Books "Soni and Goodman are at their best when they invoke the wonder an idea can instill. They summon the right level of awe while stopping short of hyperbole." —Financial Times "Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman make a convincing case for their subtitle while reminding us that Shannon never made this claim himself." —The Wall Street Journal “A charming account of one of the twentieth century’s most distinguished scientists…Readers will enjoy this portrait of a modern-day Da Vinci.” —Fortune In their second collaboration, biographers Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman present the story of Claude Shannon—one of the foremost intellects of the twentieth century and the architect of the Information Age, whose insights stand behind every computer built, email sent, video streamed, and webpage loaded. Claude Shannon was a groundbreaking polymath, a brilliant tinkerer, and a digital pioneer. He constructed the first wearable computer, outfoxed Vegas casinos, and built juggling robots. He also wrote the seminal text of the digital revolution, which has been called “the Magna Carta of the Information Age.” In this elegantly written, exhaustively researched biography, Soni and Goodman reveal Claude Shannon’s full story for the first time. With unique access to Shannon’s family and friends, A Mind at Play brings this singular innovator and always playful genius to life.
Author : Paul Nahin
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 268 pages
File Size : 36,96 MB
Release : 2017-09-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 0691178526
Fun puzzles that use physics to explore the wonders of everyday life Physics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark, what causes the tides, and even how best to catch a baseball. With In Praise of Simple Physics, popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of everyday life. Roaming through a diverse range of puzzles, he illustrates how physics shows us ways to wring more energy from renewable sources, to measure the gravity in our car garages, to figure out which of three light switches in the basement controls the light bulb in the attic, and much, much more. How fast can you travel from London to Paris? How do scientists calculate the energy of an atomic bomb explosion? How do you kick a football so it stays in the air and goes a long way downfield? Nahin begins with simpler problems and progresses to more challenging questions, and his entertaining, accessible, and scientifically and mathematically informed explanations are all punctuated by his trademark humor. Readers are presumed to have some background in beginning differential and integral calculus. Whether you simply have a personal interest in physics' influence in the world or you're an engineering and science student who wants to gain more physics know-how, this book has an intriguing scenario for you. In Praise of Simple Physics proves that if we look carefully at the world around us, physics has answers for the most astonishing day-to-day occurrences.
Author : Clayton Geoffreys
Publisher :
Page : 100 pages
File Size : 25,51 MB
Release : 2015-10-28
Category :
ISBN : 9781518829246
Learn how INTPs view the world and what makes them tick!Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!In INTP: Understanding & Relating with the Logician, you'll learn about the INTP Myers Brigg Personality Type. This book covers a variety of topics regarding INTPs (Introverted Intuitive Thinking Perception) and why they make such great analysts. INTPs are often referred to the great philosophers and researchers of the world. In this book, we'll begin by exploring why the MBTI test is important, before then digging into why INTPs make great leaders. From there, we'll venture into the greatest strengths and weaknesses of individuals who identify as INTPs. Finally, we'll explore what makes INTPs happy, and what they value in their personal relationships. We'll close by learning about ten famous INTPs and what you can learn from them. If you are an INTP, read this book to begin your quest in learning why you act the way you do and how you can come to appreciate who you are as an individual. Grab your copy today. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Foreword An Introduction to MBTI The Four Dimensions of the MBTI Why is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Significant? Uncovering the "Logician": Who is an INTP? Why are INTPs Indispensable Leaders? The 8 Greatest Strengths of an INTP The 3 Greatest Areas of Improvement for an INTP What Makes an INTP Happy? What are Some Common Careers of an INTP? Common Workplace Behaviors of an INTP INTP: Parenting Style and Values INTP and Friendship INTP: Romantic Partners 7 Actionable Steps for Overcoming Your Weaknesses as an INTP The 6 Most Influential INTPs We Can Learn From Conclusion An excerpt from the book: Great leaders can come from any of the 16 personality types. However, INTPs are known for being great leaders. Probably some of the most famous leaders were considered extroverts, but history has shown that some of the best leaders were actually introverts. Some of these include: the United States President, Barak Obama; Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and; Founder and former CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates. Below are five reasons why INTPs make great leaders. 1. They Make Decisions Based on Theories and FactsINTPs are often not hasty thinkers and love utilizing theory and facts to make decisions. They want to ensure that their decisions were made based on facts as they are thinkers and not feelers. Because of this, they always want to make sure that they make the absolutely best decisions and will use theory and thought to help make these decisions. 2. They are Great Visionary LeadersWhen leading a team, INTPs tend to focus more into the future or their goals and make decisions that help in the realization of these goals. They love setting a vision for others to follow. When setting up a vision, they will use logical and concrete facts about the environment and determine what works best. Because of this, they are able to share their vision well with their subordinates. They are great at showing why the vision works and describing the concrete direction everyone needs to have in order to fulfill that vision. Tags: INTP, MBTI, Myers Brigg Type Indicator, Psychology tests, myers briggs personality test, Personality Tests, personality types, 16 personality types, ENTJ, ESTJ, INTP famous people, INTP careers, INTP relationships, INTP jobs, INTP personality traits
