Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
A Most Elegant Equation
- Euler’s Formula and the Beauty of Mathematics
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
£0.00 for first 30 days
A Most Elegant Equation
Buy Now for £15.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Summary
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 becomes a contemplative stroll through the glories of mathematics. The result is an ode to this magical field.
Listeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about A Most Elegant Equation
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Moby Motion
- 20-07-19
A great audio adaptation
When I first considered buying this book, I was worried that maths might be a difficult topic to translate into an audio book. As it turns out, it was light on formulas and all very well explained. I would recommend a pen and paper for the latter chapters that delve into infinite series', to ensure you can grasp how they all relate to each other.
Nonetheless, it does justice to important mathematical finding while making sure to stay entertaining at the same time.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Dale Linney
- 12-04-20
Very good.
Lovely exposition of the formula, its history and some of its uses. The author argues for the transcendent beauty of mathematics, but does not trust the audience to share in his wonder, and so couches some deep insights in silly narratives to make them relevant to the layman. The people reading and listening are likely looking for wonder, he should trust them to appreciate it. Its another example of mathematicians feeling apologetic for their passion. Overall though, he is clear and reveals some of the formula's deep connections.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Teresa
- 13-07-21
I enjoyed this book so much!
Sometimes you need all the focus to draw the formulae in your head. Great narration too.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer SL
- 18-06-24
Fascinating
Well explained, well written and narrated. An enjoyable listen that could be improved with an accompanying PDF.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!