Math Book Club Chicago

We will discuss chapters 1-5 of Infinite Powers by Steven Strogatz. From the book description:

Steven Strogatz’s brilliantly creative, down to earth history shows that calculus is not about complexity; it’s about simplicity. It harnesses an unreal number—infinity—to tackle real world problems, breaking them down into easier ones and then reassembling the answers into solutions that feel miraculous.

We will be talking about problems from chapters 13-15 of Measurement by Paul Lockhart. Bring in any questions you had or good solutions that you found! If you don't read it but you still want to come try out some interesting math, that's good too!

From the book description:
In conversational prose that conveys his passion for the subject, Lockhart makes mathematics accessible without oversimplifying. He makes no more attempt to hide the challenge of mathematics than he does to shield us from its beautiful intensity. Favoring plain English and pictures over jargon and formulas, he succeeds in making complex ideas about the mathematics of shape and motion intuitive and graspable. ...

Measurement is an invitation to summon curiosity, courage, and creativity in order to experience firsthand the playful excitement of mathematical work.

We will discuss the entirety of Infinite Powers by Steven Strogatz. From the book description:

Steven Strogatz’s brilliantly creative, down to earth history shows that calculus is not about complexity; it’s about simplicity. It harnesses an unreal number—infinity—to tackle real world problems, breaking them down into easier ones and then reassembling the answers into solutions that feel miraculous.