A Mathematical Nature Walk by John A. Adam
Thoughts and Problems Inspired by Natural Phenomenon
Aug 10, 2009
Like Math? Even if the answer is yes, this book isn't for every mathophile. The topics are broad and sometimes difficult.
Originally from Britain, John A. Adam, is Professor of Mathematics at Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia. In additional to his scholarly works, Adams writes mathematics books intended for a more popular audience. Previous titles include Guesstimation: Solving the World's Problems on the Back of a Cocktail Napkin, and Mathematics in Nature.
The dedicated reader stands a lot to gain from delving into the text and thinking hard about the problems posed. As the saying goes, "mathematics is not a spectator sport," so if this book is read with pencil and paper at hand, to scribble along and confirm understanding of the mathematical trains of thought—all the better.
A Mathematical FAQ
The book begins with a description and example of how to frame a question in such a way as to be approachable using mathematical methods. An explanation of mathematical models is followed by a discussion of the interesting concept of working backwards from a known answer to figure out what the question could be.
The book is in question and answer format. Ninety-six questions are posed ranging from the fairly mundane (What is the Fibonacci sequence?; What is the sphericity index?; and, Loch Ness—How long to empty it?), to the strange and unusual (How high can trees grow?; What is the "murmur of the forest"?; and How can ship wakes prove the Earth is round?).
Adams provides some entertaining banter about each question often accompanied by gee-whiz facts. He then proceeds to explain how to answer the question—using mathematics of course. The final answers aren't always exactly clear. Sometime there is no exact answer, because the answer depends on the data used.
Some Calculus Required
Some of the problems can be understood using nothing more than elementary arithmetic; others require a pretty solid foundation in algebra, trigonometry and precalculus. Still others rely on basic calculus and even differential equations for their solutions. Without a background in college-level math, much of the book will be baffling at best.
Physicist Richard Feynman famously said, "It does not do harm to the mystery to know a little bit about it." Adams would seem to agree with this view, and his love of both the natural world and figuring things out, come through clearly in this book. Something more than a casual appreciation for and knowledge of mathematics will be needed to read the whole thing. However, a leisurely perusal is sure to reveal one or two gems to capture one's interest.
References
Adams, John A. A Mathematical Nature Walk. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2009.
 |
