If You're Curious About These Questions...
You should listen to this audiobook
- Did you know that a mathematical concept involving 'imaginary' numbers is the secret reason your smartphone and modern electronics even work?
- Have you ever wondered how a single equation could bridge the gap between a falling apple and the complex movements of the entire universe?
- Are you curious about which formula governs both the stability of our world and the unpredictable fluctuations of the global stock market?
Listen to In Pursuit of the Unknown — Free Audiobook
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Key Takeaways from In Pursuit of the Unknown
- Discover how abstract mathematical equations have fundamentally shaped human history by revealing unexpected, concrete relationships in the real world.
- Learn how the simple Pythagorean theorem laid the groundwork for modern mapmaking, GPS satellite navigation, and measuring the curvature of the universe.
- Understand how Euler's formula birthed the mathematical field of topology, which molecular biologists now use to analyze the complex geometric structure and replication of DNA.
- Find out why the normal distribution curve is a vital tool for revealing predictable patterns in complex human behavior and verifying the reliability of medical trials.
- Explore how the Navier-Stokes equation predicts fluid and air flow, enabling the aerodynamic design of modern vehicles and critical blood flow calculations for medical surgeries.
In Pursuit of the Unknown — Full Chapter Overview
Chapter 1: Recommendation
Chapter 2: The Pythagorean theorem transformed our grasp of geography and Earth’s position within the wider cosmos.
Chapter 3: Euler’s formula reshaped mathematics — and helps us comprehend the structure of DNA.
Chapter 4: The normal distribution is among the most essential tools for analyzing social, medical, and scientific data today.
Chapter 5: The Navier-Stokes equation offers solutions to countless scientific and technological problems.
Chapter 6: Newton’s law of gravitation allows predictions of the solar system and spacecraft mission orbits.
Chapter 7: Einstein’s theory of relativity reshaped our view of space and time — and our everyday life.
Chapter 8: Schrödinger’s equation reshaped our concept of matter and widely pervades today’s modern electronics.
Chapter 9: Chaos theory permeates many fields of science, and grasping chaos can aid our everyday life.
Chapter 10: The Black-Scholes equation fueled massive growth across the financial sector — and magnified the dangers of global financial crises.
In Pursuit of the Unknown Summary & Overview
In this book, Ian Stewart focuses on 17 famous equations in mathematics and physics history, highlighting their impact on society. Stewart gives a brief history of the wonders of scientific discovery, and peppers it with vivid examples and anecdotes.
Who Should Listen to In Pursuit of the Unknown?
- Anyone interested in how mathematical ideas affect science and society
- Anyone who’s always been scared of complicated-looking formulas
- Anyone fascinated by the beauty and hidden power of formulas
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