Description
Why is -(-1) = 1? Why do odd and even numbers alternate? What's the point of algebra? Is maths even real? From imaginary numbers to the perplexing order of operations we all had drilled into us, Eugenia Cheng - mathematician, writer and woman on a mission to rid the world of maths phobia - brings us maths as we've never seen it before, revealing how profound insights can emerge from seemingly unlikely sources. Written with intelligence and passion, Is Maths Real? is a celebration of the true, curious spirit of the discipline.
One of the world's most creative mathematicians offers new ways to look at maths - focusing on questions, not answers
About the Author
Eugenia Cheng is Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Honorary Visiting Fellow of Pure Mathematics at City, University of London. A Cambridge graduate, she previously taught at the Universities of Cambridge, Chicago and Nice. She is also a concert pianist, fluent in French, and the author of several Profile bestsellers, including How to Bake Pi and x + y.
Reviews
A generous tour of mathematics for anyone whose instincts tend less towards "Just tell me the answer" and more towards "Wait, but why?" -- Jordan Ellenberg, author * Shape *
Intriguing ... Celebrates the dizziness and disorientation engendered by childlike questions that hint at the deep mysteries beneath -- Anil Ananthaswamy * New Scientist *
Passionate, eye-opening and accessible ... a love letter to the curious spirit of the discipline * Waterstones Best Books of 2023 *
A brilliant rebuttal to those who see math as only about right answers, rather than about creative discovery. [Cheng] masterfully uncovers what's simply profound in the profoundly simple -- Francis Su, author * Mathematics for Human Flourishing *
Discover what it feels like to be a real mathematician ... This is a human pursuit, depicted here from the inside -- Simon Ings * Telegraph *
An entertaining foray into the more philosophical realms of mathematics ... for the budding mathematician in the house, to say nothing of lovers of puzzles and enigmas * Kirkus *
Praise for x + y: 'A way of seeing this exhausting debate from a completely new angle ... bold and optimistic * Guardian *
A fascinating, disarmingly accessible read and a wonderful example of what academics should in general do much more of * Irish Times *
Compelling ... x+y provides useful new tools for change, for those - like me - involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. For those who are not yet involved, she sets out reasons to become so. And I'm a new fan of pure mathematics. Dr Cheng, can we be friends? * Nature *
This book changed my life in the most beautiful way. Eugenia Cheng doesn't just explain why the way our society conceptualizes gender is all wrong - she proposes a new way of thinking about - and beyond - gender. Through accessible graphs and brilliant metaphor, Cheng pushes her readers instead to think about a person's behavior ... Stunning -- Rebecca Ramirez * NPR *
Book Information
ISBN 9781788169523
Author Eugenia Cheng
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Profile Books Ltd
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 443g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 144mm * 40mm
One of the world's most creative mathematicians offers new ways to look at maths - focusing on questions, not answers
About the Author
Eugenia Cheng is Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Honorary Visiting Fellow of Pure Mathematics at City, University of London. A Cambridge graduate, she previously taught at the Universities of Cambridge, Chicago and Nice. She is also a concert pianist, fluent in French, and the author of several Profile bestsellers, including How to Bake Pi and x + y.
Reviews
A generous tour of mathematics for anyone whose instincts tend less towards "Just tell me the answer" and more towards "Wait, but why?" -- Jordan Ellenberg, author * Shape *
Intriguing ... Celebrates the dizziness and disorientation engendered by childlike questions that hint at the deep mysteries beneath -- Anil Ananthaswamy * New Scientist *
Passionate, eye-opening and accessible ... a love letter to the curious spirit of the discipline * Waterstones Best Books of 2023 *
A brilliant rebuttal to those who see math as only about right answers, rather than about creative discovery. [Cheng] masterfully uncovers what's simply profound in the profoundly simple -- Francis Su, author * Mathematics for Human Flourishing *
Discover what it feels like to be a real mathematician ... This is a human pursuit, depicted here from the inside -- Simon Ings * Telegraph *
An entertaining foray into the more philosophical realms of mathematics ... for the budding mathematician in the house, to say nothing of lovers of puzzles and enigmas * Kirkus *
Praise for x + y: 'A way of seeing this exhausting debate from a completely new angle ... bold and optimistic * Guardian *
A fascinating, disarmingly accessible read and a wonderful example of what academics should in general do much more of * Irish Times *
Compelling ... x+y provides useful new tools for change, for those - like me - involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. For those who are not yet involved, she sets out reasons to become so. And I'm a new fan of pure mathematics. Dr Cheng, can we be friends? * Nature *
This book changed my life in the most beautiful way. Eugenia Cheng doesn't just explain why the way our society conceptualizes gender is all wrong - she proposes a new way of thinking about - and beyond - gender. Through accessible graphs and brilliant metaphor, Cheng pushes her readers instead to think about a person's behavior ... Stunning -- Rebecca Ramirez * NPR *
Book Information
ISBN 9781788169523
Author Eugenia Cheng
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Profile Books Ltd
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 443g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 144mm * 40mm
