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Week 11 How to Bake pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics-- Summary

This article is a book review of "How to Bake pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics" by Eugenia Cheng, and the reviewer is Pamela Gorkin. It highlights the unique approach taken by Cheng in connecting mathematics with baking. Gorkin begins by quoting G. H. Hardy's comparison of mathematicians to painters or poets, emphasizing the creation of patterns with ideas. Cheng's book presents mathematics as akin to baking, with proofs as ingredients and techniques evolving over time, much like in cooking. The review praises Cheng's ability to use analogies effectively to help readers grasp complex mathematical concepts, emphasizing the importance of understanding principles rather than just memorizing processes.


Cheng's book introduces category theory, a significant abstraction in mathematics, and discusses the Riemann Hypothesis and the Poincaré conjecture in a relatable manner. She uses examples from cooking, such as modifying recipes, to explain mathematical generalization and abstraction. The review notes that while the book may require some commitment from readers, especially in understanding category theory, it remains accessible to a general audience.


Gorkin also provides insights into Cheng's background as a mathematician, pianist, and cook, highlighting her efforts to make mathematics more approachable and reduce math phobia. Cheng's book is commended for its engaging style and the way it connects mathematical ideas to everyday experiences like baking. The review concludes by emphasizing the book's value in helping readers understand what math is like, rather than just what it is, and encourages those with a fear of math to give it a chance.


To conclude, the review paints a picture of "How to Bake pi" as a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the intersections between mathematics and baking, offering a fresh perspective on a traditionally abstract subject.


Stop: In my past experience, the connection between baking, cooking and math existed only in terms of proportions, mass, etc. I didn't realize that this metaphor could be useful in other ways to understand complex concepts in mathematics.

Question: What do you think about using metaphors to understand certain concepts in math?

Comments

  1. Hsuan-YuMarch 19, 2024 at 11:39 AM

    Thanks for sharing! I believe that metaphor serves as a tool for conveying information or offering analogies to help readers understand concepts more clearly. If we can integrate metaphor into the intersection of mathematics and cooking to benefit readers, it would be truly wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NatalieMarch 19, 2024 at 6:06 PM

    Hi Stelios,
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I think using metaphors is an awesome way to understand complex concepts in mathematics as students will find it easier to remember and understand the concepts. For instance, during my explanation of positive and negative signs, I will personalize the positive and negative signs as good guys and bad guys. Then I will ask my students can good guy and bad guys be friends. Assuming they will say no to the answers, I will then further introduce the concept that positive and negative will be negative ( they can't be friends) or negative and negative will be positive ( they can be friends).

    ReplyDelete

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