What is Linear Algebra?

Solving systems of equations Solving a single linear equation with one unknown quantity is a task that is studied in elementary school. One proceeds in high school to study more complex equations involving more involved functions. Many problems in mathematics and its scientific applications amount to solving equations, and especially to solving systems of equations. … Read more

On The Nature Of Scientific Theories

I was reading the delightful blog Ask A Mathematician / Ask A Physicist (in particular, this post), when I encountered this noteworthy comment (and this one) from one of that blog’s readers. The post is about why the earth orbits the sun, and the essence of the two comments is that science is unable to … Read more

Black Earth Into Yellow Crocus

Perhaps my favourite joke of all time is actually an anecdote that I read in the wonderful book Thirty Years that Shook Physics, by George Gamow. The book is available in an inexpensive Dover edition, and would make a fine complement to a course textbook in modern physics, which amounts to introductory quantum mechanics. Gamow … Read more