About the book
Why the familiar equal sign is a gateway into math’s—and humanity’s—most profound questions
\"Eugenia Cheng has opened up my mind to the wondrous world of pure mathematics in a way that I never thought was possible.\" ―Willow Smith, singer and actress
A New Scientist Best Book of the Year
Math is famous for its equations: 1 + 1 = 2, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, or y = mx + b. It can seem like that’s all mathematics is: following steps to show that what’s on one side of an equation is the same as what’s on the other.
In Unequal, Eugenia Cheng shows that’s just part of the story, and the boring part to boot. Mathematics is a world of shapes, symmetries, and logical ideas. And in that world, the boundary between things being equal and unequal is a gray area, or perhaps a rainbow of beautiful, vibrant, subtly nuanced color.
As Unequal shows, once you go over that rainbow, almost everything can be considered equal and unequal at the same time, whether it’s shapes (seen from the right perspective, a circle is the same as an ellipse), words (synonyms), or people—even numbers! That’s because mathematics isn’t a series of rules, facts, or answers. It’s an invitation to a more powerful way of thinking.
Editions of Unequal
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781541606555
- EBook
- ISBN 9781541606562
Read an Excerpt
Why the familiar equal sign is a gateway into math’s—and humanity’s—most profound questions
\"Eugenia Cheng has opened up my mind to the wondrous world of pure mathematics in a way that I never thought was possible.\" ―Willow Smith, singer and actress
A New Scientist Best Book of the Year
Math is famous for its equations: 1 + 1 = 2, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, or y = mx + b. It can seem like that’s all mathematics is: following steps to show that what’s on one side of an equation is the same as what’s on the other.
In Unequal, Eugenia Cheng shows that’s just part of the story, and the boring part to boot. Mathematics is a world of shapes, symmetries, and logical ideas. And in that world, the boundary between things being equal and unequal is a gray area, or perhaps a rainbow of beautiful, vibrant, subtly nuanced color.
As Unequal shows, once you go over that rainbow, almost everything can be considered equal and unequal at the same time, whether it’s shapes (seen from the right perspective, a circle is the same as an ellipse), words (synonyms), or people—even numbers! That’s because mathematics isn’t a series of rules, facts, or answers. It’s an invitation to a more powerful way of thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unequal about?
Why the familiar equal sign is a gateway into math’s—and humanity’s—most profound questions
\"Eugenia Cheng has opened up my mind to the wondrous world of pure mathematics in a way that I never thought was possible.\" ―Willow Smith, singer and actress
A New Scientist Best Book of the Year
Math is famous for its equations: 1 + 1 = 2, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, or y = mx + b. It can seem like that’s all mathematics is: following steps to show that what’s on one side of an equation is the same as what’s on the other.
In Unequal, Eugenia Cheng shows that’s just part of the story, and the boring part to boot. Mathematics is a world of shapes, symmetries, and logical ideas. And in that world, the boundary between things being equal and unequal is a gray area, or perhaps a rainbow of beautiful, vibrant, subtly nuanced color.
As Unequal shows, once you go over that rainbow, almost everything can be considered equal and unequal at the same time, whether it’s shapes (seen from the right perspective, a circle is the same as an ellipse), words (synonyms), or people—even numbers! That’s because mathematics isn’t a series of rules, facts, or answers. It’s an invitation to a more powerful way of thinking.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Unequal?
Mathematics and Science > Mathematics > Calculus and mathematical analysis
Where can I read a sample of Unequal?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781541606555
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Unequal?
Eugenia Cheng
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Unequal is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781541606555) and ebook(ISBN 9781541606562)
Where can I buy Unequal online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Unequal from below