When Math Goes Wrong In The Real World: Uncovering the Flaws and Deceptions That Lead to Catastrophic Consequences

Mathematics is often seen as a precise and infallible science, but as this book reveals, that is far from the truth. In fact, math can be surprisingly flawed and deceptive, and its misuse can have catastrophic consequences in the real world.

Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World

by Matt Parker

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	47559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE

The author, a mathematician and former Wall Street quant, provides numerous examples of how math has gone wrong in the real world, from the collapse of the subprime mortgage market to the failure of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. He shows how even the most seemingly innocuous mathematical models can be flawed, and how these flaws can lead to disastrous results.

The book is not just a litany of mathematical disasters, however. It also provides a framework for understanding how math can go wrong, and how to avoid its pitfalls. The author offers clear and concise explanations of complex mathematical concepts, and he shows how to identify and correct common mathematical errors.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the hidden dangers of mathematics and how to avoid its pitfalls. It is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of math and the real world, and it will challenge your assumptions about the power and precision of mathematics.

Here are some examples of how math has gone wrong in the real world:

• In 1987, a mathematical error in a trading program caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to plunge 508 points in a single day.
• In 2008, the collapse of the subprime mortgage market was caused in part by flawed mathematical models that underestimated the risk of default.
• In 2011, the failure of the Fukushima nuclear power plant was caused by a mathematical error that underestimated the risk of a tsunami.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that math can go wrong in the real world. It is important to be aware of these dangers and to take steps to avoid them.

How to avoid the pitfalls of math

There are a number of things you can do to avoid the pitfalls of math and ensure that you are using it correctly. Here are a few tips:

• Be skeptical of mathematical models.
• Understand the assumptions that underlie mathematical models.
• Test mathematical models against real-world data.
• Use multiple mathematical models to get a more complete picture.
• Get help from a mathematician if you are unsure about how to use math.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are using math correctly and avoiding its pitfalls.

Math is a powerful tool, but it is important to be aware of its limitations. When used correctly, math can help us to understand the world around us and make better decisions. However, when used incorrectly, math can lead to disastrous consequences.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the hidden dangers of mathematics and how to avoid its pitfalls. It is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of math and the real world, and it will challenge your assumptions about the power and precision of mathematics.

Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World

by Matt Parker

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	47559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE