An award-winning science writer introduces us to mathematics using the extraordinary equation that unites five of mathematics’ most important numbers
Bertrand Russell wrote that mathematics can exalt “as surely as poetry.” This is especially true of one equation: ei(pi) + 1 = 0, the brainchild of Leonhard Euler, the Mozart of mathematics. More than two centuries after Euler’s death, it is still regarded as a conceptual diamond of unsurpassed beauty. Called Euler’s identity or God’s equation, it includes just five numbers but represents an astonishing revelation of hidden connections. It ties together everything from basic arithmetic to compound interest, the circumference of a circle, trigonometry, calculus, and even infinity. In David Stipp’s hands, Euler’s identity formula becomes a contemplative stroll through the glories of mathematics. The result is an ode to this magical field.
Reviews (5)
5 reviews for A Most Elegant Equation: Euler’s Formula and the Beauty of Mathematics
Prashant
Rated 5 out of 5
June 8, 2023
This little book blew my mind! David Stripp has uncanny ability to simplify the mathematics and present to his readers as stories! He has covered ever...More
This little book blew my mind! David Stripp has uncanny ability to simplify the mathematics and present to his readers as stories! He has covered every aspect of Euler's identity, right from pi to imaginary numbers. He went over several aspects of Euler's work and his personal life to present the viewers the phenomena known as Leonhard Euler! You can't understand Euler without understanding his work and if that is your aim, get this book pronto! This is a kind of a book which gives you solace and comfort if you're even bit curious about math. It does not go into depth of anything complex and its perfect for readers who will give up a math book because of its complexity.
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MNettles
Rated 5 out of 5
June 26, 2021
A wonderful journey through Euler's equation!
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WDzierga
Rated 4 out of 5
May 9, 2020
This slim and very readable book is about the "most beautiful equation" in all mathematics, e^(iπ)-1=0. If that interests you at all, you will enjoy t...More
This slim and very readable book is about the "most beautiful equation" in all mathematics, e^(iπ)-1=0. If that interests you at all, you will enjoy this book. Stipp does a very nice job giving that background on the equation's author (discoverer?), Leonard Euler. He is one of the greatest mathematicians who ever lived and quite an interesting character. The intellectual history surrounding Euler and the context of this equation are very interesting. I was, however, disappointed with the Stipp's explanation. His goal is to explain how the equation was derived and what it means to people who understand almost no math. However, this isn't really possible. You have to have a certain level of mathematical understanding to get anything out of this part of the book. His goal to reach those who aren't mathematical at leads him to glide over or ignore some of the important bits, and this was disappointing to me. For example, the transition from Cartesian to polar coordinates is much more important and substantive than he indicates. Also, he punts on Euler's invention of the infinite series versions of sin( ) and cos(), which play a central role in connecting them to e. However, I am now doing additional reading to fill in those gaps, and having quite a good time doing it. All in all, if you've read this far, you are clearly interested enough in math and this equation to enjoy and get a lot out of this book.
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Rick
Rated 5 out of 5
March 19, 2020
This is a special book. It is very rare to get the combination of deep metaphorical explanations about sophisticated topics as well as the history beh...More
This is a special book. It is very rare to get the combination of deep metaphorical explanations about sophisticated topics as well as the history behind them. I think this book serves as an example for how to teach **anything**!
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BGhassibi
Rated 5 out of 5
February 5, 2020
Easy to read, nicely written. E is a very important number in Math andI loved to know more about it. The author very nicely revews PI , e , 1, zero,In...More
Easy to read, nicely written. E is a very important number in Math and I loved to know more about it. The author very nicely revews PI , e , 1, zero, Infinity, Trigonometry, Vectors and derives very easily Euler’s God Formula . Very easy read. Maybe the one star reviewers have higher expectations, but for me , this book satisfied my need to review these beautiful parts of Math. I loved the book . It is really worth reading if one loves Math and wants a short easy and excellent explanation of e, pi, trig and imaginary numbers . Then there is chapter 11 , “ The meaning of it all “ : Is the Universe mathmatic or is Math a human creation ? Why not listen to what people think ? After all , philosophical considerstions are what make us human and we cannot not wonder about who we are and the World ! The author continues to be succint and does not bore us with endless discussion .
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I loved to know more about it. The author very nicely revews PI , e , 1, zero,
Infinity, Trigonometry, Vectors and derives very easily Euler’s God Formula .
Very easy read. Maybe the one star reviewers have higher expectations, but
for me , this book satisfied my need to review these beautiful parts of Math.
I loved the book . It is really worth reading if one loves Math and wants a short
easy and excellent explanation of e, pi, trig and imaginary numbers .
Then there is chapter 11 , “ The meaning of it all “ :
Is the Universe mathmatic or is Math a human creation ? Why not listen to what
people think ? After all , philosophical considerstions are what make us human
and we cannot not wonder about who we are and the World ! The author continues
to be succint and does not bore us with endless discussion .