ECU Libraries Catalog

The joy of X : a guided tour of math, from one to infinity / Steven Strogatz.

Author/creator Strogatz, Steven
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoBoston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ©2012.
Descriptionxii, 316 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Numbers. From fish to infinity ; Rock groups ; The enemy of my enemy ; Commuting ; Division and its discontents ; Location, location,. location -- Relationships. The joy of X ; finding your roots ; My tub runneth over ; Working your quads ; Power tools -- Shapes. Square dancing ; Something from nothing ; The conic conspiracy l Sine qua non ; Take it to the limit -- Change. Change we can believe in ; It slices, it dices ; All about e ; Loves me, loves me not ; Step into the light -- Data. The new normal ; Chances are ; Untangling the Web -- Frontiers. The loneliest numbers; Group think ; Twist and shout ; Think globally ; Analyze this! ; The Hilbert Hotel.
Abstract "In 2010, award-winning professor Steven wrote a series for the New York Times online called "The Elements of Math." It was hugely popular: Each piece climbed the most emailed list and elicited hundreds of comments. Readers begged for more, and has now delivered. In this fun, fast-paced book, he offers us all a second chance at math. Each short chapter of The Joy of X provides an "Aha!" moment, starting with why numbers are helpful, and moving on to such topics as shapes, calculus, fat tails, and infinity. explains the ideas of math gently and clearly, with wit, insight, and brilliant illustrations. Assuming no knowledge, only curiosity, he shows how math connects to literature, philosophy, law, medicine, art, business, even pop culture and current events. For example, did O.J. do it? How should you flip your mattress to get the maximum wear out of it? How does Google search the Internet? How many people should you date before settling down? is the math teacher you wish you'd had, and The Joy of X is the book you'll want to give to all your smart and curious friends. "-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2012017320
ISBN9780547517650 (hardback)
ISBN0547517653 (hardback)

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks QA93 .S77 2012 ✔ Available Place Hold