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Love Triangle

The Life-changing Magic of Trigonometry

Matt Parker author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:20th Jun '24

Should be back in stock very soon

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Love Triangle cover

Matt Parker explores the fascinating world of triangles in Love Triangle, revealing their essential role in mathematics and everyday life.

In Love Triangle, Matt Parker, a stand-up mathematician and bestselling author, invites readers on an enlightening journey into the world of trigonometry. He poses intriguing questions that challenge our understanding of everyday phenomena, such as the unique way each person perceives a rainbow or the mathematical intricacies behind a pop song. Through engaging anecdotes and clever experiments, Parker illustrates how triangles play a crucial role in both mathematics and our daily lives.

The author uses humor and creativity to showcase the significance of triangles, demonstrating their applications in various fields, including technology and art. From his adventures in creating a digital avatar to navigating the complexities of a motorcycle ride, Parker reveals the hidden patterns that triangles form in our contemporary world. These shapes are not just theoretical constructs; they are fundamental to understanding everything from GPS systems to the design of our favorite music streaming platforms.

As Parker dives deeper into the subject, he emphasizes that there’s much more to triangles than the classic Pythagorean theorem. He encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and utility of these geometric figures, making a compelling case for why we should embrace the love for triangles. Love Triangle is a delightful blend of mathematics, humor, and insight, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.

This book is an attempt to rescue trigonometry from the bounds of boredom... Parker, who was born in Australia, is maths royalty... Parker is funny, likeable and aware enough of his audience to carry them along. And those who persevere will end up smarter than they were when they started it. You’ll use triangles to understand Einstein’s relativity, and end up at the stark realisation that, at the quantum level, matter — you, I, this book — is all just a set of triangles -- Tom Calver * Sunday Times *
Matt Parker is a real nerd’s nerd... but we’re in safe hands here as we range from those curvy walls of glass that architects seem to love, to why everyone sees a different rainbow. A funny and often surprising guide to the history of triangles — and the applications (both practical and highly impractical) of trigonometry -- Tim Harford * Financial Times *
I felt well looked-after, and handled with saint-like patience... Parker has a fine old time with his material, and only a curmudgeon could fail to be charmed by his willingness to call the elongated pentagonal gyrocupolarotunda a “dumb shape”, or Heron’s 2,000-year-old formula for finding the area of a triangle “stupid”. Nor, in the latter case, is he wrong. Four stars -- Simon Ings * Telegraph *
The maths he expounds so expertly and so clearly is always fascinating -- Nick Rennison * Mail on Sunday *
Very funny... When it clicks, it is glorious -- Chris Stokel-Walker * New Scientist *
Despite dealing with what might be familiar concepts, Love Triangle shows that geometry and trigonometry can pop up in exciting and unexpected places. From cosmology to skateboarding, Parker argues that triangles underpin both the epic and the everyday. The book, which is funny and accessible, would also be suitable for keen teenage readers -- Katherine Skipper * Physics World *
Move over Euclid. It’s Parker Time. Love Triangle is a blissful blend of pure science and pure merriment. Edifying, entertaining, excellent! -- Alex James
Matt Parker is unique: he's made me laugh about math many times by showing just how weird it can get. He's also made me cry about math by showing how transcendently beautiful it is -- Adam Savage
Fine. Triangles are now my favourite shape -- Hannah Fry
The author has a gift for making somewhat tedious topics not only comprehensible and absorbing, but also great fun... Parker’s tireless enthusiasm, light touch, and inviting manner make for a reading experience akin to a visit to Epcot Center, led by a guide in possession of childlike wonder in addition to adult acumen and humor. The author never gets mired in the weeds, even as he manages to cover a tremendous amount of detailed information, aided by illustrations that feature appealing captions running the gamut from simple to complex. A rare book about math sure to make you smile, despite your feelings about the subject. Once again, Parker measures up * Kirkus *

ISBN: 9780241505694

Dimensions: 240mm x 160mm x 35mm

Weight: 559g

352 pages