'Maths at its most playful and multifarious' Jordan EllenbergMatt Parker, author of the No.1 bestseller Humble Pi, takes us on a riotous journey through the possibilities of numbers Mathematician Matt Parker uses bizarre Klein Bottles, unimaginably small pizza slices, knots no one can untie and computers built from dominoes to reveal some of the most exotic and fascinating ideas in mathematics. Starting with simple numbers and algebra, this book goes on to deal with inconceivably big numbers in more dimensions than you ever knew existed. And always with something for you to make or do along the way. 'The book oozes with sheer joy' New Scientist'Matt Parker is some sort of unholy fusion of a prankster, wizard and brilliant nerd - clever, funny and ever so slightly naughty' Adam Rutherford, author of Creation'Matt Parker never got the memo about maths being boring ... he seeks to reconnect us to the numbers around us' Simon Usborne, Independent'Essential reading' Observer Read more

In an increasingly polarised world, it sometimes feels impossible to talk to someone you disagree with, let alone change their mind. However, as David McRaney reveals, you could be just one conversation away from reshaping someone's world view – here's how. ‘In a time when too many minds seem closed, this is a masterful analysis of what it takes to open them.’ ADAM GRANT, AUTHOR OF THINK AGAIN Self-delusion expert and psychology nerd David McRaney sets out to discover not just what it takes to influence others, but why we believe in the first place. Along the way he meets a former Westboro Baptist Church member who was de-radicalised on Twitter, goes deep canvassing to see how quickly people will surrender their character-defining views, finds a former 9/11 Truther who turned his back on it all, and reveals how, within a few years, half a country can go from opposing the ‘gay agenda’ to happily attending same-sex weddings. Distilling the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, How Minds Change reveals how beliefs take hold, not over hundreds of years, but in less than a generation, in less than a decade, and sometimes in an instant. *** ‘Optimistic, illuminating and even inspiring.’GUARDIAN ‘A tonic for those who might scratch their head at how others could be so nonsensical.’ NEW SCIENTIST ‘How Minds Change brings us face to face with the radically weird science of how our thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs are actually formed, and how they can, for better or worse, be modified.’ JORDAN ELLENBERG Read more

Everyone wants to succeed in life. But what causes some of us to be more successful than others? Is it really down to skill and strategy; or something altogether more unpredictable? This book is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. It is all about luck: more precisely, how we perceive luck in our personal and professional experiences. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the markets we hear an entrepreneur has vision or a trader is talented, but all too often their performance is down to chance rather than skill. It is only because we fail to understand probability that we continue to believe events are non-random, finding reasons where none exist. This irreverent bestseller has shattered the illusions of people around the world by teaching them how to recognize randomness. Now it can do the same for you. Read more

* THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * 'Another masterpiece from one of my favorite authors . . . If you want a brief but thorough education in numeric thinking about many of the fundamental forces that shape human life, this is the book to read. It's a tour de force' BILL GATES __________ We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check - because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts. In this ambitious and thought-provoking book we see, for example, that globalization isn't inevitable and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, making their complete and rapid elimination unlikely. Drawing on the latest science and tackling sources of misinformation head on - from Yuval Noah Harari to Noam Chomsky - ultimately Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed or is a brighter utopia ahead? __________ 'Very informative and eye-opening in many ways' HA-JOON CHANG, author of 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism 'If you are anxious about the future, and infuriated that we aren't doing enough about it, please read this book' PAUL COLLIER, author of The Future of Capitalism Read more

'A necessary book for our times. But also just great fun' Saul Perlmutter, Nobel LaureateThe world is awash in bullshit, and we're drowning in it. Politicians are unconstrained by facts. Science is conducted by press release. Start-up culture elevates hype to high art. These days, calling bullshit is a noble act.Based on a popular course at the University of Washington, Calling Bullshit gives us the tools to see through the obfuscations, deliberate and careless, that dominate every realm of our lives. In this lively guide, biologist Carl Bergstrom and statistician Jevin West show that calling bullshit is crucial to a properly functioning social group, whether it be a circle of friends, a community of researchers, or the citizens of a nation. Through six rules of thumb, they help us recognize bullshit whenever and wherever we encounter it - even within ourselves - and explain it to a crystal-loving aunt or casually racist grandfather. Read more

'BRILLIANTLY CLEAR AND CAPTIVATING PROSE' STEPHEN FRYA WATERSTONES BOOK OF YEAR 2023An award-winning mathematician explores the maths behind the games we love and why we love to play them.Where should you move first in Connect 4?What is the best property in Monopoly?And how can pi help you win rock paper scissors?Spanning millennia, oceans and continents, countries and cultures, Around the World in 80 Games gleefully explores how mathematics and games have always been deeply intertwined. Marcus du Sautoy investigates how games provided the first opportunities for deep mathematical insight into the world, how understanding maths can help us play games better, and how both maths and games are integral to human psychology and culture.For as long as there have been people, there have been games, and for nearly as long, we have been exploring and discovering mathematics. A grand adventure, Around the World in 80 Games teaches us not just how games are won, but how they, and the maths behind them, shape who we are.'A delightful and addictive celebration of games. You’ll keeping wanting one more go' DARA Ó BRIAIN‘Whether your game is Go, Dungeons and Dragons, or Chocolate Chilli Roulette, you'll find this book adorable. It's lively, creative and humane – exactly as one would expect from Marcus du Sautoy’ TIM HARFORD, author of How To Make The World Add Up Read more

Transform how you think about problems, prepare to outsmart misinformation, and avoid common pitfalls.Unlock the secrets to smarter decisions and uncover hidden data traps by developing an analytical mindset that cuts through the noise.In an age where data and statistical claims surround us, the ability to critique them is essential. Thinking Analytically guides you through the complexities of real-world information. Offering more than just interpretation, it focuses on broader issues of how to think about and solve problems effectively.Thinking Analytically is for anyone who wants to be an informed consumer of information. Decision-makers, data analysts, scientists, and interested readers will find its insights valuable. The book offers practical techniques and examples for critiquing findings, understanding the processes behind data, and unraveling problems.This book introduces the Thinking Analytically pyramid, covering:Cognitive Foundation: Understand how cognitive limitations impact data interpretation.Probability Mindset: Improve probabilistic thinking and avoid common errors.Data Quality: Learn how subtle problems can distort the results.Experimental Design: Explore how context affects the conclusions you can draw.Analytics: Produce sound results by integrating all pyramid levels.You'll develop a critical eye for evaluating data and the skills to ask the right questions. Whether you're making business decisions, interpreting studies, or navigating everyday information, this book improves your analytical understanding.The author has analyzed data for decades and has written an engaging, accessible book to help anyone think analytically and actively critique data and analyses. Read more

Dive into the world of electromagnetism with this comprehensive guide that uses vector calculus to illuminate the fundamental principles that govern electromagnetic fields and forces. Designed for students, engineers, and educators alike, this extensive resource offers clear explanations, practical examples, and hands-on Python code for each chapter, making complex concepts accessible and applicable.Key Features:- Detailed Explanations: Gain a thorough understanding of vector calculus principles and their practical applications in electromagnetism.- Hands-On Python Code: Reinforce learning with practical Python code examples accompanying every chapter.- Real-World Applications: Discover the significance of electromagnetism in modern technologies and systems.- Extensive Coverage: Over 60 chapters covering everything from basic vectors to advanced electromagnetic properties of materials.What You Will Learn:1. Master the foundational concepts of scalars and vectors.2. Navigate Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems with ease.3. Perform vector addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication efficiently.4. Apply the dot product in various electromagnetism scenarios.5. Utilize the cross product to determine torque and magnetic forces.6. Comprehend gradient operators in vector fields.7. Analyze sources and sinks using the divergence operator.8. Explore rotational fields with the curl operator.9. Implement line integrals in electromagnetic theory.10. Understand and apply surface integrals in Gauss's Law.11. Delve into volume integrals and their relevance in the field.12. Study Gauss's Law in detail with practical applications.13. Grasp Stokes' Theorem and its electromagnetic implications.14. Utilize the Divergence Theorem in vector calculus scenarios.15. Explore electric field intensity through vector calculus.16. Relate electric flux density to electric fields.17. Apply Gauss's Law in integral and differential forms to electric fields and charges.18. Define electrostatic potential and potential difference vectorially.19. Solve Laplace's and Poisson's equations for various charge distributions.20. Implement boundary conditions for electrostatic fields.21. Examine capacitance and dielectric materials with vector approaches.22. Analyze current density and Ohm's Law through vector calculus methods.23. Derive magnetic field intensity using vector techniques.24. Apply vector calculus to the Biot-Savart and Ampere’s Laws.25. Investigate the Lorentz force on magnetic and electric fields. Read more

‘Probably the UK’s greatest living statistician’ TelegraphFrom the UK’s ‘statistical national treasure’, a clever and data-driven guide to how we can live with risk and uncertaintyWe live in a world where uncertainty is inevitable. How should we deal with what we don’t know? And what role do chance, luck and coincidence play in our lives?David Spiegelhalter has spent his career dissecting data in order to understand risks and assess the chances of what might happen in the future. In The Art of Uncertainty, he gives readers a window onto how we can all do this better.In engaging, crystal-clear prose, he takes us through the principles of probability, showing how it can help us think more analytically about everything from medical advice to pandemics and climate change forecasts, and explores how we can update our beliefs about the future in the face of constantly changing experience. Along the way, he explains why roughly 40% of football results come down to luck rather than talent, how the National Risk Register assesses near-term risks to the United Kingdom, and why we can be so confident that two properly shuffled packs of cards have never, ever been in the exact same order.Drawing on a wide range of captivating real-world examples, this is an essential guide to navigating uncertainty while also having the humility to admit what we do not know Read more

The Sunday Times Bestseller'Tim Harford is one of my favourite writers in the world. His storytelling is gripping but never overdone, his intellectual honesty is rare and inspiring, and his ability to make complex things simple - but not simplistic - is exceptional. How to Make the World Add Up is another one of his gems. If you're looking for an addictive pageturner that will make you smarter, this is your book' Rutger Bregman, author of Humankind'Tim Harford could well be Britain's Malcolm Gladwell'Alex Bellos, author of Alex's Adventures in Numberland'If you aren't in love with stats before reading this book, you will be by the time you're done. Powerful, persuasive, and in these truth-defying times, indispensable'Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women In How to Make the World Add Up, Tim Harford draws on his experience as both an economist and presenter of the BBC's radio show 'More or Less' to take us deep into the world of disinformation and obfuscation, bad research and misplaced motivation to find those priceless jewels of data and analysis that make communicating with numbers so rewarding. Through vivid storytelling he reveals how we can evaluate the claims that surround us with confidence, curiosity and a healthy level of scepticism. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about understanding the world around them.'Tim Harford is our most likeable champion of reason and rigour . . . clear, clever and always highly readable'The Times, Books of the Year'Fascinating and enjoyable'Bill Bryson'Now more than ever we need a book like this'Stephen Fry'Wise, humane and, above all, illuminating. Nobody is better on statistics and numbers - and how to make sense of them'Matthew Syed'One of the most wonderful collections of stories that I have read in a long time . . . fascinating.'Steven Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics'Wise and useful . . . such a delight' Financial Times'What should we do when someone makes a claim that they say is based on data? This wise book, distilled from years of experience, gives us the ten commandments, from first examining our feelings, to finally having the humility to admit we may be wrong. Priceless'Professor Sir David SpiegelhalterAnnounced as a top ten Sunday Times bestseller in paperback on 16 May 2021 Read more

Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Data Science provides a solid course in the fundamental concepts, methods and theory of statistics for students in statistics, data science, biostatistics, engineering, and physical science programs. It teaches students to understand, use, and build on modern statistical techniques for complex problems. The authors develop the methods from both an intuitive and mathematical angle, illustrating with simple examples how and why the methods work. More complicated examples, many of which incorporate data and code in R, show how the method is used in practice. Through this guidance, students get the big picture about how statistics works and can be applied. This text covers more modern topics such as regression trees, large scale hypothesis testing, bootstrapping, MCMC, time series, and fewer theoretical topics like the Cramer-Rao lower bound and the Rao-Blackwell theorem. It features more than 250 high-quality figures, 180 of which involve actual data. Data and R are code available on our website so that students can reproduce the examples and do hands-on exercises. Read more

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 'Punchy, funny and invigorating ... Pinker is the high priest of rationalism' Sunday Times 'If you've ever considered taking drugs to make yourself smarter, read Rationality instead. It's cheaper, more entertaining, and more effective' Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind In the twenty-first century, humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding - and at the same time appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that discovered vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news, quack cures and conspiracy theorizing? In Rationality, Pinker rejects the cynical cliché that humans are simply an irrational species - cavemen out of time fatally cursed with biases, fallacies and illusions. After all, we discovered the laws of nature, lengthened and enriched our lives and set the benchmarks for rationality itself. Instead, he explains, we think in ways that suit the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives, but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we have built up over millennia: logic, critical thinking, probability, causal inference, and decision-making under uncertainty. These tools are not a standard part of our educational curricula, and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book - until now. Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere, and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with insight and humour, Rationality will enlighten, inspire and empower. 'A terrific book, much-needed for our time' Peter Singer Read more

Max Tegmark leads us on an astonishing journey through past, present, and future, and through the physics, astronomy, and mathematics that are the foundation of his work, most particularly his hypothesis that our physical reality is a mathematical structure and his theory of the ultimate multiverse. In a dazzling combination of both popular and groundbreaking science, he not only helps us grasp his often mind-boggling theories, but he also shares with us some of the often surprising triumphs and disappointments that have shaped his life as a scientist. Fascinating from first to last - here is a book for the full science-reading spectrum.Max Tegmark is author or co-author of more than 200 technical papers, twelve of which have been cited more than 500 times. He has featured in dozens of science documentaries, and his work with the SDSS collaboration on galaxy clustering shared the first prize in Science magazine's "Breakthrough of the Year: 2003". He holds a Ph.D from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a physics professor at MIT. Read more

What existential threats does humanity face? And how can we secure our future?'The Precipice is a powerful book . . . Ord's love for humanity and hope for its future is infectious' Spectator'Ord's analysis of the science is exemplary . . . Thrillingly written' Sunday TimesWe live during the most important era of human history. In the twentieth century, we developed the means to destroy ourselves – without developing the moral framework to ensure we won't. This is the Precipice, and how we respond to it will be the most crucial decision of our time.Oxford moral philosopher Toby Ord explores the risks to humanity's future, from the familiar man-made threats of climate change and nuclear war, to the potentially greater, more unfamiliar threats from engineered pandemics and advanced artificial intelligence.With clear and rigorous thinking, Ord calculates the various risk levels, and shows how our own time fits within the larger story of human history. We can say with certainty that the novel coronavirus does not pose such a risk. But could the next pandemic? And what can we do, in our present moment, to face the risks head on?A major work that brings together the disciplines of physics, biology, earth and computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, political science and moral philosophy, The Precipice is a call for a new understanding of our age: a major reorientation in the way we see the world, our history, and the role we play in it. Read more

A practical guide to making good decisions in a world of missing dataIn the era of big data, it is easy to imagine that we have all the information we need to make good decisions. But in fact the data we have are never complete, and may be only the tip of the iceberg. Just as much of the universe is composed of dark matter, invisible to us but nonetheless present, the universe of information is full of dark data that we overlook at our peril. In Dark Data, data expert David Hand takes us on a fascinating and enlightening journey into the world of the data we don't see.Dark Data explores the many ways in which we can be blind to missing data and how that can lead us to conclusions and actions that are mistaken, dangerous, or even disastrous. Examining a wealth of real-life examples, from the Challenger shuttle explosion to complex financial frauds, Hand gives us a practical taxonomy of the types of dark data that exist and the situations in which they can arise, so that we can learn to recognize and control for them. In doing so, he teaches us not only to be alert to the problems presented by the things we don’t know, but also shows how dark data can be used to our advantage, leading to greater understanding and better decisions.Today, we all make decisions using data. Dark Data shows us all how to reduce the risk of making bad ones. Read more

This book provides a unique tour of university mathematics with the help of Python. Written in the spirit of mathematical exploration and investigation, the book enables students to utilise Python to enrich their understanding of mathematics through:Calculation: performing complex calculations and numerical simulations instantlyVisualisation: demonstrating key theorems with graphs, interactive plots and animationsExtension: using numerical findings as inspiration for making deeper, more general conjectures. This book is for all learners of mathematics, with the primary audience being mathematics undergraduates who are curious to see how Python can enhance their understanding of core university material. The topics chosen represent a mathematical overview of what students typically study in the first and second years at university, namely analysis, calculus, vector calculus and geometry, differential equationsand dynamical systems, linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory, probability and statistics. As such, it can also serve as a preview of university mathematics for high-school students. The prerequisites for reading the book are a familiarity with standard A-Level mathematics (or equivalent senior high-school curricula) and a willingness to learn programming.For mathematics lecturers and teachers, this book is a useful resource on how Python can be seamlessly incorporated into the mathematics syllabus, assuming only basic knowledge of programming. Read more

Study smarter and stay on top of your differential equations course with the bestselling Schaum’s Outline—now with the NEW Schaum’s app and website! Schaum’s Outline of Differential Equations, Fifth Edition is the go-to study guide for all students of science who need to learn or refresh their knowledge of differential equations. With an outline format that facilitates quick and easy review and mirrors the course in scope and sequence, this book helps you understand basic concepts and get the extra practice you need to excel in the course. It supports the all major differential equations textbooks and is useful for study in Calculus (I, II, and III), Mathematical Modeling, Introductory Differential Equations and Differential Equations. Chapters include an Introduction to Modeling and Qualitative Methods, Classifications of First-Order Differential Equations, Linear Differential Equations, Variation of Parameters, Initial-Value Problems for Linear Differential Equations, Graphical and Numerical Methods for Solving First-Order Differential Equations, Solutions of Linear Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients by Laplace Transforms, and more.Features:NEW to this edition: the new Schaum’s app and website!NEW CHAPTERS include Autonomous Differential Equations and Qualitative Methods; Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors; three chapters dealing with Solutions of Systems of Autonomous Equations via Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors (real and distinct, real and equal, and complex conjugate Eigenvalues)20 problem-solving videos online563 solved problemsOutline format provides a quick and easy review of differential equationsClear, concise explanations of differential equations conceptsHundreds of examples with explanations of key conceptsSupports all major textbooks for differential equations coursesAppropriate for the following courses: Calculus (I, II, and III), Mathematical Modeling, Introductory Differential Equations, and Differential Equations Read more

Mathematics is playing an increasing important role in society and the sciences, enhancing our ability to use models and handle data. While pure mathematics is mostly interested in abstract structures, applied mathematics sits at the interface between this abstract world and the world in which we live. This area of mathematics takes its nourishment from society and science and, in turn, provides a unified way to understand problems arising in diverse fields. This Very Short Introduction presents a compact yet comprehensive view of the field of applied mathematics, and explores its relationships with (pure) mathematics, science, and engineering. Explaining the nature of applied mathematics, Alain Goriely discusses its early achievements in physics and engineering, and its development as a separate field after World War II. Using historical examples, current applications, and challenges, Goriely illustrates the particular role that mathematics plays in the modern sciences today and its far-reaching potential.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Read more

Unlock the Power of Bayesian Statistics with RThis comprehensive guide is designed for anyone who wants to delve into the practical application of Bayesian methods for modeling sports data. You will be exposed to a concise yet practical sequence of statistical concepts that get you on the path to sports modeling in R as quickly as possible – armed with just enough knowledge of Bayesian methods to make you moderately dangerous. Along the way, you'll build on what you learn in each chapter, starting with the basics of Bayesian reasoning and probability, all the way through to more complex topics like Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). Each chapter is enriched with practical sports examples and fully downloadable R code, making it a hands-on and interactive experience.Culminating with fully coded R examples of working Bayesian models for a number of sports including the NHL, NBA, NFL & MLB, Mack's combination of downloadable code and clear explanations will allow readers with different levels of familiarity with statistics to level-up their sports modeling skills.Whether you are a seasoned sports bettor looking to enhance your Bayesian modeling skills or an R novice eager to improve your abilities, 'Bayesian Sports Models in R' has something for everyone. This book not only teaches you the theory behind Bayesian methods but also demonstrates how to apply these techniques to real-world sports scenarios. From predicting game outcomes to analyzing player performance, you'll learn how to leverage Bayesian models in the search for a competitive edge. Plus, you can easily implement and customize these models to suit your specific needs, making them a valuable resource for anyone serious about sports modeling through simulation.Bayesian methods are the gold standard for modeling events with large amounts of dynamic uncertainty.You’re about to find out why. Read more

The Freakonomics of math--a math-world superstar unveils the hidden beauty and logic of the world and puts its power in our handsThe math we learn in school can seem like a dull set of rules, laid down by the ancients and not to be questioned. In How Not to Be Wrong, Jordan Ellenberg shows us how terribly limiting this view is: Math isn't confined to abstract incidents that never occur in real life, but rather touches everything we do--the whole world is shot through with it.Math allows us to see the hidden structures underneath the messy and chaotic surface of our world. It's a science of not being wrong, hammered out by centuries of hard work and argument. Armed with the tools of mathematics, we can see through to the true meaning of information we take for granted: How early should you get to the airport? What does "public opinion" really represent? Why do tall parents have shorter children? Who really won Florida in 2000? And how likely are you, really, to develop cancer?How Not to Be Wrong presents the surprising revelations behind all of these questions and many more, using the mathematician's method of analyzing life and exposing the hard-won insights of the academic community to the layman--minus the jargon. Ellenberg chases mathematical threads through a vast range of time and space, from the everyday to the cosmic, encountering, among other things, baseball, Reaganomics, daring lottery schemes, Voltaire, the replicability crisis in psychology, Italian Renaissance painting, artificial languages, the development of non-Euclidean geometry, the coming obesity apocalypse, Antonin Scalia's views on crime and punishment, the psychology of slime molds, what Facebook can and can't figure out about you, and the existence of God.Ellenberg pulls from history as well as from the latest theoretical developments to provide those not trained in math with the knowledge they need. Math, as Ellenberg says, is "an atomic-powered prosthesis that you attach to your common sense, vastly multiplying its reach and strength." With the tools of mathematics in hand, you can understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. How Not to Be Wrong will show you how. Read more