Everybody knows that mathematics is indispensable to physics--imagine where we'd be today if Einstein and Newton didn't have the math to back up their ideas. But how many people realize that physics can be used to produce many astonishing and strikingly elegant solutions in mathematics? Mark Levi shows how in this delightful book, treating readers to a host of entertaining problems and mind-bending puzzlers that will amuse and inspire their inner physicist. Levi turns math and physics upside down, revealing how physics can simplify proofs and lead to quicker solutions and new theorems, and how physical solutions can illustrate why results are true in ways lengthy mathematical calculations never can. Did you know it's possible to derive the Pythagorean theorem by spinning a fish tank filled with water? Or that soap film holds the key to determining the cheapest container for a given volume? Or that the line of best fit for a data set can be found using a mechanical contraption made from a rod and springs? Levi demonstrates how to use physical intuition to solve these and other fascinating math problems. More than half the problems can be tackled by anyone with precalculus and basic geometry, while the more challenging problems require some calculus. This one-of-a-kind book explains physics and math concepts where needed, and includes an informative appendix of physical principles. The Mathematical Mechanic will appeal to anyone interested in the little-known connections between mathematics and physics and how both endeavors relate to the world around us.

About the Author:

Mark Levi is professor of mathematics at Pennsylvania State University and the author of "Why Cats Land on Their Feet" (Princeton).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Please come visit our shop in Machynlleth or browse our stock online. We carry a wide range of academic books on all subjects, such as history, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, mathematics, physics, geography, political science, political philosophy, religious studies, military history and many other subjects. We also carry antiquarian stock and general stock, especially cookery. We are always interested in collections, especially on academic subjects.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Literary Cat Books
United Kingdom

Terms of Sale:

All orders of 50 pounds and higher will be shipped with mandatory insurance added.

We make every effort to describe each book or print accurately. However, we accept that an item might not prove to be as you expected it, or has been damaged in transport. We therefore accept returns within 14 days of receipt of the item, upon prior notification. We will provide a full refund upon receipt of the returned item by us.

Shipping Terms:

Orders usually ship within 2/3 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know if extra shipping is required.

Overseas postage will be sent by airmail if you select priority and surface if you select standard postage. Surface mail to the United States or Canada can take up to six weeks, and up to twelve weeks to Australia and New Zealand.

We use only good quality materials and the utmost care when packaging our books to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

In the unlikely event that your book does not arrive within the specified shipping period, please feel free to contact us direct. Please provide your name, address and the details of your order.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Add to Wants

Items related to The Mathematical Mechanic. Using Physical Reasoning...

The Mathematical Mechanic. Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems

Levi, Mark

Used - Hardcover

Seller's business information