Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula: Cures Many Mathematical Ills

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Princeton University Press, Apr 25, 2011 - Mathematics - 416 pages

In the mid-eighteenth century, Swiss-born mathematician Leonhard Euler developed a formula so innovative and complex that it continues to inspire research, discussion, and even the occasional limerick. Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula shares the fascinating story of this groundbreaking formula—long regarded as the gold standard for mathematical beauty—and shows why it still lies at the heart of complex number theory. In some ways a sequel to Nahin's An Imaginary Tale, this book examines the many applications of complex numbers alongside intriguing stories from the history of mathematics. Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula is accessible to any reader familiar with calculus and differential equations, and promises to inspire mathematicians for years to come.

 

Contents

Introduction
1
Chapter 1 Complex Numbers an assortment of essays beyond the elementary involving complex numbers
13
Chapter 2Vector Trips some complex plane problems in which direction matters
68
Chapter 3 The Irrationality of 960sup2 higher math at the sophomore level
92
Chapter 4 Fourier Series named after Fourier but Euler was there firstbut he was alas partially WRONG
114
Chapter 5 Fourier Integrals what happens as the period of a periodic function becomes infinite and other neat stuff
188
Chapter 6 Electronics and omitted technological applications of complex numbers that Euler who was a practical fellow himself would have loved
275
The Man and the Mathematical Physicist
324
Notes
347
Acknowledgments
375
Index
377
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About the author (2011)

Paul J. Nahin is the author of many bestselling popular math books, including Mrs. Perkins's Electric Quilt, In Praise of Simple Physics, and An Imaginary Tale (all Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire.

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