Other editions of book Why Pi? by Ball, Johnny

If you think numbers are boring, think again! Imagine the world without measurements: What time is it? Are we nearly there yet? How big do you want it? Why Pi? takes readers through a mesmerizing, historical number journey, from the ancient civilizations that used numbers as simple measurement, through the Renaissance period with the conquering of the seas and mapping of the world, the Industrial Revolution, and all the way on to Einstein's theory of relativity and discovering space. Numbers are eternal and have been a crucial element in human history. From sailing the seven seas to journeying deep below the waves and up through the atmosphere, it's all about numbers. Discover how simple modern-day things are all about measurement and see how the future will be shaped by numbers as we travel farther into space.Numbers aren't just about sums and calculations, and there is no one better at illustrating this than the ingenious Johnny Ball as he demonstrates just how essential math is to our everyday world. Why Pi? examines how numbers have allowed explorers, engineers, and scientists to explore, build, and discover.

This entertaining follow-up to DK's popular Go Figure!, Why Pi? presents even more mind-bending ways to think about numbers. This time, author Johnny Ball focuses on how people have used numbers to measure things through the ages, from the ways the ancient Egyptians measured the pyramids to how modern scientists measure time and space. Johnny Ball has hosted more than 20 UK children's television series about math and science. He is known for making math not just easy to understand, but genuinely fun and fascinating. His shows and videos earned him a New York international EMMY nomination, a BAFTA, and 10 other awards. He has written five children's books, including DK's Go Figure!, and an educational musical. His academic credentials include three honorary science doctorates and fellowship of the British Mathematical Association.