Author:
Havil, Julian, 1952- author.
ImprintPrinceton, New Jersey : Princeton University Press, [2019]
Imprint2019
Descriptionxviii, 259 pages : illustrations, charts ; 24 cm
Note:The Euler Spiral -- The Weierstrass Curve -- Bézier Curve -- The rectangular hyperbola -- The quadratrix of hippias -- Two space-filling curves -- Curves of constant width -- The normal curve -- The catenary -- Elliptic curves -- Appendices: A. The title page -- B. Conics encapsulated -- C. A trigonometric variant for the Bézier Curve -- D. Envelopes -- E. The mathematics of an arch -- F. The simple pendulum -- G. Fibonacci's Method.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-253) and index.
Note:Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a thoughtfully curated collection of ten mathematical curves, selected by Julian Havil for their significance, mathematical interest, and beauty. Each chapter gives an account of the history and definition of a curve, providing a glimpse into the elegant and often surprising mathematics involved in its creation and evolution. In telling the ten stories, Havil introduces many mathematicians and other innovators, some whose fame has withstood the passing of years and others who have slipped into comparative obscurity. You will meet Pierre Bézier, who is known for his ubiquitous and eponymous curves, and Adolphe Quetelet, who trumpeted the ubiquity of the normal curve but whose name now hides behind the modern body mass index. These and other ingenious thinkers engaged with the challenges, incongruities, and insights to be found in these remarkable curves--and now you can share in this adventure. Curves for the Mathematically Curious is a rigorous and enriching mathematical experience for anyone interested in curves, and the book is designed so that readers who choose can follow the details with pencil and paper. Every curve has a story worth telling. -- Dust jacket.
