The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity

“Delightful . . . easily digestible chapters include plenty of helpful examples and illustrations. You'll never forget the Pythagorean theorem again!”—Scientific American

Many people take math in high school and promptly forget much of it. But math plays a part in all of our lives all of the time, whether we know it or not. In The Joy of x, Steven Strogatz expands on his hit New York Times series to explain the big ideas of math gently and clearly, with wit, insight, and brilliant illustrations.

Whether he is illuminating how often you should flip your mattress to get the maximum lifespan from it, explaining just how Google searches the internet, or determining how many people you should date before settling down, Strogatz shows how real-world math connects to every aspect of life. Discussing pop culture, medicine, law, philosophy, art, and business, Strogatz is the accessible math teacher you wish you’d had. Whether you aced integral calculus or aren’t sure what an integer is, you’ll find profound wisdom and persistent delight in The Joy of x.

This witty and insightful guide to the big ideas in mathematics reveals:

• Math in Everyday Life: From how often you should flip your mattress to the surprising principles behind how Google searches the internet.
• Big Ideas Made Simple: Clear, unforgettable explanations of major concepts like calculus and the Pythagorean theorem, illuminated with brilliant examples.
• Accessible for Everyone: Whether you aced integral calculus or aren’t sure what an integer is, Steven Strogatz is the brilliant and patient teacher you wish you’d had.
• Unexpected Connections: Discover how mathematical principles connect to pop culture, medicine, law, philosophy, and even the art of settling down.