A Most Elegant Equation cover art

A Most Elegant Equation

Euler’s Formula and the Beauty of Mathematics

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A Most Elegant Equation

By: David Stipp
Narrated by: Sean Pratt
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About this listen

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.

©2017 David Stipp (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Engineering Mathematics
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The brilliance of the mathematician Euler, the story about him and the narrator’s reading of the material has given me something to cling on to when times get tough.

I didn’t like that Euler died. I look forward to meeting him in future.

The God equation!

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Stipp’s approach to a difficult concept is well-structured, delivered in a manner that gradually reveals the genius of Euler’s equation. It is a book for non-mathematicians with a casual interest in advanced mathematics, however, and in this I think it is quite successful.
The audiobook version (despite the clear, personable narration) needs some form of supporting material to be truly effective. The printed book clearly has diagrams and other visual aids to help with especially difficult concepts yet these have not been provided (as a PDF or web address). Without these, the equations can be off-putting and hamper the overall experience.

A subtle and engaging overview

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Facinating narative and well constructed story; well read and the mathematics was easy to visualise.

Entertaining

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As an undergraduate studying advanced mathematics, I have a deep passion for all things math. That said, you do not need to be an avid math enthusiast to enjoy this book. A little curiosity is all you need to be swept up by what is essentially a gentle introduction to the beauty and elegance of mathematics.

Enjoyable journey illustrating the beauty of Math

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