Man vs. Math: Understanding the curious mathematics that power our world

by Timothy Revell

What is the mathematics behind a twitter trend? Does my food really have an equation? And, is there really an algorithm for Love? Mathematics is inescapable. Wherever you go, whatever you do, however you live your life, mathematics plays a role. From searching for love to donating a kidney, the mathematics governing our world is fascinating, and far reaching. Using interesting anecdotes, simple analogies, and easy explanations, Man vs. Math will distill the complexities of some of the most absorbing mathematics of modern life. Along the way we will look at why Netflix offered a $1 million prize for help with their mathematics, why the universe has a favourite number, and how knowing a little mathematics can improve your life.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2016

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much non-fiction, but I am so glad I picked this up. For someone with very little knowledge of anything more than the most basic maths this booked wowed me from start to finish.

Really easy to read with very interesting anecdotal stories about how maths effects our everyday life.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. A very interesting read.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trio would go down in history as the inventors of the first practical public-key cryptography system, which would be named RSA after (Ronald) Rivest, (Adi) Shamir and (Leonard) Adleman, in the order in which they appeared on the paper. Luckily, this was a rearrangement of the original alphabetical order that Rivest had suggested; the ARS cryptography really wouldn't have had the same ring to it. (7. Cryptography: Yjq etgcvgf vjg ecguct ucncf?)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong contender for the best nonfiction book I've read this year. This first book by Revell is extremely readable as well as light-hearted and funny. Consider this a warning: Little is more embarrassing than laughing aloud whilst reading a maths book in public.

Although the subjects covered are often technically very complex, Revell has the skill to get directly to the heart of why the mathematics is so fascinating and from there highlights its significance.

I found it hard to believe that a book about mathematics could be this entertaining. I was proven wrong. It made me laugh and it showed me new ways of thinking about mathematics I was already familiar with, as well as introducing a few totally new concepts.

The book introduces a series of concepts, explains the problem that led to the need for mathematics to solve it and then explains how important the problem is and discusses a few unexpected consequences of this. My favourite was the section on Benford's law, with the additional section at the end hammering home how satisfying Benford's law really is.

I hope I get to read more by Revell in the future. I'd like to take the opportunity to request a chapter on infinities. Please?

[Ida Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book. I've read a lot of popular science books -- mainly because I'm interested in science, and not necessarily because I expect it to be a laugh-out-loud experience. Well, this book is. Hilarious in parts, and incredibly interesting throughout, it's a really great read. I was apprehensive about a 'pure' maths book, as I'm more of an 'applied science' girl myself, but it's wonderfully easy to understand and it gets you right to the curious, interesting, wondrous bit of mathematics, without the (to some, tedious) hassle of working stuff out.
Definitely recommend!

[Alan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read containing rather elementary mathematics, describing some very interesting ways that it has been used to solve real-life problems. Although I read a lot of mathematics I still learned a lot from it.

[Kaje Tanatpanjaroen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start and amusing ending

[Wasi Rizvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written very interestingly. enjoyable to read but hard to recall. It probably wasn't designed to be remembered much.

[Chandana Venkatayogi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction is one of my favorite genres, more so when it’s related to the sciences or even math!

In Man vs Math, the author takes readers on a journey through various historical anecdotes and real-world applications where human judgment clashes with mathematical principles. The book has engaging storytelling where the author takes us on a journey through various historical anecdotes and real-world applications where human judgment clashes with mathematical principles. The narrative occasionally meanders, and some chapters seem disconnected but the book still makes for an interesting read.