Book Review: Pluses and Minuses

 

Stefan Buijsman, philosopher of mathematics, earned his PhD at age 20. His book, Pluses and Minuses, How Math Solves Our Problems, covers several mathematical concepts in a very easy-to-read and understandable format. Many topics he reviews includes systems that we interact with everyday such as mapping the shortest route, Google searches, and Netflix movie recommendations. There are also examples of how mathematics models scientific observations and also predicts the possible existence of yet undiscovered phenomena. Most notable was Paul Dirac's prediction of the positron or anti-electron.

Another topic Buijsman writes is why early civilizations developed mathematics. Related to this topic, he also explains how certain indigenous cultures get by without having words for numbers. 

I particularly liked his chapter on probability and statistics. As an instructor of statistics myself, I will use Buijsman's examples in future classes.

Publisher link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611373/pluses-and-minuses-by-stefan-buijsman/

How Does a Math Formula Highlight the Creator?

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The Ken Ham Blog recently had a thought-provoking post about the Golden Ratio: see link. It speaks how this ratio is related to many things in nature. A video by the Institute for Creation Research presents their argument for God as evidenced by intelligent design in the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio.

See also:

Speed Limit Conversions 

OEIS Sequence

42

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In Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy, the answer to the ultimate question of the universe was 42. BigThink.com had an article today listing 5 actual questions of science that have the answer 42: 42 really is the answer to these 5 fundamental questions - Big Think.

More on Adams' classic: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Wikipedia.

Update, 1/10/2024: Also see https://www.iflscience.com/life-the-universe-and-everything-why-42-really-is-the-ultimate-answer-72379 for additional questions answered with 42.