The Mathematical Mechanic: Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems

Everybody knows that mathematics is indispensable to physics--imagine where we'd be today if Einstein and Newton didn't...
$36.13 AUD
$36.13 AUD
SKU: 9780691154565
Product Type: Books
Please hurry! Only 216 left in stock
Author: Mark Levi
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Subtotal: $36.13
10 customers are viewing this product
The Mathematical Mechanic: Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems by Levi, Mark

The Mathematical Mechanic: Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems

$36.13

The Mathematical Mechanic: Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems

$36.13
Author: Mark Levi
Format: Paperback
Language: English

Everybody knows that mathematics is indispensable to physics--imagine where we'd be today if Einstein and Newton didn't have the math to back up their ideas. But how many people realize that physics can be used to produce many astonishing and strikingly elegant solutions in mathematics? Mark Levi shows how in this delightful book, treating readers to a host of entertaining problems and mind-bending puzzlers that will amuse and inspire their inner physicist.

Levi turns math and physics upside down, revealing how physics can simplify proofs and lead to quicker solutions and new theorems, and how physical solutions can illustrate why results are true in ways lengthy mathematical calculations never can. Did you know it's possible to derive the Pythagorean theorem by spinning a fish tank filled with water? Or that soap film holds the key to determining the cheapest container for a given volume? Or that the line of best fit for a data set can be found using a mechanical contraption made from a rod and springs? Levi demonstrates how to use physical intuition to solve these and other fascinating math problems. More than half the problems can be tackled by anyone with precalculus and basic geometry, while the more challenging problems require some calculus. This one-of-a-kind book explains physics and math concepts where needed, and includes an informative appendix of physical principles.

The Mathematical Mechanic will appeal to anyone interested in the little-known connections between mathematics and physics and how both endeavors relate to the world around us.

Author: Mark Levi
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 07/22/2012
Pages: 200
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780691154565

About the Author
Mark Levi is professor of mathematics at Pennsylvania State University and the author of Why Cats Land on Their Feet (Princeton).

Returns Policy

You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.

Shipping

We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.

When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.

Related Products

Recently Viewed Products