Title
When Least Is Best: How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible,Used
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What is the best way to photograph a speeding bullet? Why does light move through glass in the least amount of time possible? How can lost hikers find their way out of a forest? What will rainbows look like in the future? Why do soap bubbles have a shape that gives them the least area?By combining the mathematical history of extrema with contemporary examples, Paul J. Nahin answers these intriguing questions and more in this engaging and witty volume. He shows how life often works at the extremeswith values becoming as small (or as large) as possibleand how mathematicians over the centuries have struggled to calculate these problems of minima and maxima. From medieval writings to the development of modern calculus to the current field of optimization, Nahin tells the story of Dido's problem, Fermat and Descartes, Torricelli, Bishop Berkeley, Goldschmidt, and more. Along the way, he explores how to build the shortest bridge possible between two towns, how to shop for garbage bags, how to vary speed during a race, and how to make the perfect basketball shot.Written in a conversational tone and requiring only an early undergraduate level of mathematical knowledge, When Least Is Best is full of fascinating examples and readytotryathome experiments. This is the first book on optimization written for a wide audience, and math enthusiasts of all backgrounds will delight in its lively topics.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'When Least Is Best'? A: 'When Least Is Best' focuses on the mathematical concepts of optimization, exploring how mathematicians have tackled problems involving extremes—values that are as small or as large as possible.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'When Least Is Best' is Paul J. Nahin, who is known for his engaging writing style and ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible.
- Q: What level of mathematical knowledge is required to understand this book? A: This book requires only an early undergraduate level of mathematical knowledge, making it suitable for a wide audience, including those new to optimization.
- Q: What types of examples are included in the book? A: 'When Least Is Best' includes a range of fascinating examples, from historical mathematical problems to contemporary scenarios, such as optimizing bridge designs and improving basketball shots.
- Q: Is 'When Least Is Best' suitable for math enthusiasts? A: Yes, the book is designed to appeal to math enthusiasts of all backgrounds, offering lively topics and ready-to-try-at-home experiments.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'When Least Is Best' is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 370 pages, providing ample content for readers interested in mathematical optimization.
- Q: When was 'When Least Is Best' published? A: The book was published on December 14, 2003.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: 'When Least Is Best' is listed as a 'New' item, indicating it is in excellent condition.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: 'When Least Is Best' is categorized under 'History', reflecting its exploration of the historical development of mathematical ideas related to optimization.