I recently read How Long is a Piece of String? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham. It is one of the most interesting recreational mathematics books I have encountered.
The book is a sequel to Why Do Buses Come in Threes?, which is now firmly on my reading list—I have already asked my library to purchase it.
Mathematics hiding in ordinary life
The book explores the hidden mathematics in our daily lives: strategies for reducing the time we spend waiting for lifts, explanations of how epidemics spread, and even ways to improve the chances of finding a compatible partner.
I was drawn in by the funny introduction. The authors challenge our perception of mathematics by imagining a school timetable that gives students a compelling reason to learn algebra and calculus:
It is a simple joke, but it makes the larger point: mathematics is not only a collection of abstract subjects. Even if you are already mathematically inclined and recognise some of the concepts, the book can still surprise you—especially in its final chapter.
Why the book works
The authors move easily between enjoyable questions. Why might a weather forecast be wrong? What makes a song a hit, and which patterns and variations resonate with people?
My favourite chapter is the one that gives the book its title. It explores fractals and the difficulty of measuring an irregular line. A question that sounds almost silly opens into a much more interesting mathematical problem.
From Mondays to game shows
The book moves from wondering why Mondays seem to come around so quickly, to learning how to win a game show, to checking whether a taxi fare was fair. It even considers how to avoid scams and detect fraudsters.
The combination of storytelling and mathematical formulas makes the world feel a little more explainable. The mathematics is present, but curiosity always leads the way.