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When Least Is Best: How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title When Least Is Best: How Mathematicians Discovered Many Clever Ways to Make Things as Small (or as Large) as Possible
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Paul J. Nahin
SeriesPrinceton Science Library
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:406
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/GenreHistory of mathematics
ISBN/Barcode 9780691218762
ClassificationsDewey:511.66
Audience
General
Illustrations 99 b/w illus.

Publishing Details

Publisher Princeton University Press
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publication Date 18 May 2021
Publication Country United States

Description

A mathematical journey through the most 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? When Least Is Best combines the mathematical history of extrema with conte

Author Biography

Paul J. Nahin is the author of many popular math books, including How to Fall Slower Than Gravity and Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons (both Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire.

Reviews

"Nahin has written a beautifully clear, fascinating book on a topic which is truly vital to so many areas of science and I would recommend anyone who enjoys puzzle solving and having new tools to tackle old (or new) problems should read it."---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica