Mathematics in Nature
Subtitle: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: November 10, 2003
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 416
ISBN-13: 9780691114293
Subjects: Biology, Life Sciences; Philosophy of mathematics; Mathematics; Science/Mathematics; Applied; Biological Sciences; Earth Sciences; Mathematics / Advanced; Physics; Mathematical models; Advanced
First sentence: In recent years, as I have walked daily to and from work, I have started to train myself to observe the sky, the birds, butterflies, trees, and flowers, something I had not done previously in a conscious way (although I did watch out for fast-moving cars and unfriendly dogs).
Description: "Illustrated, written in an informal style, and replete with examples from everyday life, Mathematics in Nature is an excellent and undaunting introduction to the ideas and methods of mathematical modeling. It illustrates how mathematics can be used to formulate and solve puzzles observed in nature and to interpret the solutions. In the process, it teaches such topics as the art of estimation and the effects of scale, particularly what happens as things get bigger. Readers will develop an understanding of the symbiosis that exists between basic scientific principles and their mathematical expressions as well as a deeper appreciation for such natural phenomena as cloud formations, halos and glories, tree heights and leaf patterns, butterfly and moth wings, and even puddles and mud cracks." "Developed out of a university course, this book makes an ideal supplemental text for courses in applied mathematics and mathematical modeling. It will also appeal to mathematics educators and enthusiasts at all levels, and is designed so that it can be dipped into at leisure."--Jacket.