Unequal

The Maths of When Things Do and Don’t Add Up

Eugenia Cheng author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Profile Books Ltd

Publishing:5th Jun '25

£18.99

This title is due to be published on 5th June, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Unequal cover

From Uniqueness to Set Theory and beyond, climb the mathematical ladder of sameness and difference with award-winning mathematician Eugenia Cheng

At first glance, the concept of equality in maths seems unambiguous. When we see the equality sign, we think of 'solving for x' or balancing two sides of an equation or maybe even the many famous equations that make use of this elegant, innocuous symbol. = But between those parallel lines lies a mathematical playground of choice and abstraction, leading to far greater insight than you could have dreamed. As it turns out, sameness and difference, equality and inequality, are not nearly as straightforward as they seem. =/= Unequal explores the rich and rewarding interplay between sameness and difference, from numbers to manifolds to category theory and beyond in a glorious celebration of mathematics that will change the way you look at maths - and the world around you - forever.

Praise for Is Maths Real? * : *
A generous tour of mathematics for anyone whose instincts tend less towards "Just tell me the answer" and more towards "Wait, but why?" -- Jordan Ellenberg, author of 'Shape'
Intriguing ... Celebrates the dizziness and disorientation engendered by childlike questions that hint at the deep mysteries beneath -- Anil Ananthaswamy * New Scientist *
Passionate, eye-opening and accessible ... a love letter to the curious spirit of the discipline * Waterstones Best Books of 2023 *
A brilliant rebuttal to those who see math as only about right answers, rather than about creative discovery. [Cheng] masterfully uncovers what's simply profound in the profoundly simple -- Francis Su, author of 'Mathematics for Human Flourishing'
Discover what it feels like to be a real mathematician ... This is a human pursuit, depicted here from the inside -- Simon Ings * Telegraph *
An entertaining foray into the more philosophical realms of mathematics ... for the budding mathematician in the house, to say nothing of lovers of puzzles and enigmas * Kirkus *
Praise for x + y * : *
'A way of seeing this exhausting debate from a completely new angle ... bold and optimistic * Guardian *
A fascinating, disarmingly accessible read and a wonderful example of what academics should in general do much more of * Irish Times *
Compelling ... x+y provides useful new tools for change, for those - like me - involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. For those who are not yet involved, she sets out reasons to become so. And I'm a new fan of pure mathematics. Dr Cheng, can we be friends? * Nature *
This book changed my life in the most beautiful way. Eugenia Cheng doesn't just explain why the way our society conceptualizes gender is all wrong - she proposes a new way of thinking about - and beyond - gender. Through accessible graphs and brilliant metaphor, Cheng pushes her readers instead to think about a person's behavior ... Stunning -- Rebecca Ramirez * NPR *

ISBN: 9781805223061

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

400 pages

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