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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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.

A great audio adaptation

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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.

Very good.

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Sometimes you need all the focus to draw the formulae in your head. Great narration too.

I enjoyed this book so much!

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Well explained, well written and narrated. An enjoyable listen that could be improved with an accompanying PDF.

Fascinating

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This is an excellent audiobook that covers Euler's life and contributions to mathematics. There are some interesting tidbits in the audiobook that I never knew about, such as an ongoing project to compile Euler's work because they are so voluminous as well as a study that showed that the human brain reacts to mathematical beauty which is expressed in Euler's famous identity equation. The narrator speaks clearly and enunciates well. The only downside is that in some parts of the audiobook, it describes equations which is less clear than reading them in the book. Overall, a lovely, gentle read, accessible to the intelligent layman and perhaps a first or second year undergraduate student in mathematics or any field that extensively uses mathematics.

Excellent audiobook on Euler's life

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