Official Review: Symmetry: De Rerum Structura

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Poppy Drear
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Official Review: Symmetry: De Rerum Structura

Post by Poppy Drear »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Symmetry: De Rerum Structura" by Carlo Faustini.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Despite its deceptively low page count, Symmetry: De Rerum Structura by Carlo Faustini is anything but a light read. The book chronicles Faustini's exploration into the world of higher-degree polynomials, as well as the development of a generic equation that can be used to solve for their roots, at least for equations raised to a prime number. To do this, he explores the symmetry of polynomial roots when manipulated as matrices and polar vectors. If that sounds like gibberish to you, I'm sure you're not alone. However, Faustini makes a challenging topic as approachable as possible with an organized structure that avoids unnecessary filler without sacrificing content.

Most people are somewhat familiar with the quadratic formula. Widely taught in high schools, it solves for the roots of a quadratic equation. Formulas like this exist for cubic and quartic equations as well, albeit extremely unwieldy ones. No equation exists, though, that applies to any polynomial, regardless of what degree its root function is raised to. Faustini's work focuses on creating a new methodology to solve for the roots of a cubic equation by manipulating symmetrical patterns, which he sees as the first step in solving this larger problem.

Throughout the book, I was required at every turn to call upon my skills in mathematics and scientific reading. The topics Faustini covers build upon themselves, so each component had to be carefully analyzed, starting with definitions and working forward to far more complex topics. This progression was laid out in a way that felt extremely challenging but natural. It's impossible to deny, though, that reading Symmetry: De Rerum Structura requires a somewhat advanced background in these subjects. The more understanding of math and science a reader has, the more likely they are to fully enjoy this book.

Because of the background knowledge required, I would never recommend Symmetry: De Rerum Structura to anyone who doesn't enjoy mathematical problem solving or who hasn't completed some calculus coursework at the bare minimum, except perhaps as a practical joke. For people who are passionate about advanced mathematics or are doing research into higher-degree polynomials, this book is a very interesting read, as well as a potentially invaluable resource.

I'll leave determining if Faustini has truly made a breakthrough in his field to professional mathematicians. For its communication and style, though, I rate Symmetry: De Rerum Structura 4 out of 4 stars. It's an academic book through and through, and the clean, thorough way it organizes ideas is nothing short of impeccable. While I can't say I completely understood some of the more advanced topics it covered, this book has piqued my interest in the development of formulas for this extremely thorny problem. I'm looking forward to discussing some of the elements it covered with my acquaintances who have more formal training in mathematics.

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Jaime Lync
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Post by Jaime Lync »

I am doing my undergrad in maths and chem right now and I was tempted to review this book but I figured it might be a little over my head. Great review!
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Post by stacie k »

I would dare say this is not a book for pleasure reading. But, for the person with the right background and interests, I’m sure it’s a gem! You’ve done a great job reviewing a highly technical work!
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Post by Ashiyya Tariq »

Well, this is for me mathematician. I am not much interested in maths. But you have reviewed it very well. Thanks
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Chibuike2080
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Post by Chibuike2080 »

It Is Very Nice Book But Did Not Have The Requirement Needed On It To Help In Maths For A Better Prove For Student To Understand It Well.
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Post by kandscreeley »

Well, I'll leave this one to you. I did take some calculus way back when, but it was never something I really enjoyed. I'm glad that you got something out of it, but it's definitely not for me. Thanks!
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Post by cpru68 »

Because of your thorough review, I know without a doubt that this book is not for me! My math skills were never exemplary, and after reading your review I found myself thankful for your detailed explanation. It is a blessing that we all have different areas of expertise, and it is very clear that this genre is your perfect calling. The mathematical writers of the world will be glad to have you as their reviewer. Good job!
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Post by Libs_Books »

Wow. Ok - I'm going to refer this one on to my Maths-teacher daughter, I think. I could do differential calculus when I was a school, but wouldn't know where to begin now. Hope the discussions with your math-literate friends go well.
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Post by NL Hartje »

Huh, I think I would actually enjoy this just to know I've learned what he has to say. I have always been quite methodically minded and tested out of all of my lower-level college math courses. Even though my enjoyment lies in the arts, my mind disagrees with me and seems to think I belong in the sciences. I might pick this one up! Thank you for your review, it explained exactly what I should expect!
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Post by Jackie Holycross »

You are brave to tackle this one. Thanks.
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Post by haleygerstenberg »

I was well into the first paragraph of your review when I realized I had no idea what I was reading. Haha. Went back and started over, more slowly, and it sounds like it could be an interesting, if challenging, read. Thank you for your review.
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Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

I like a good challenge, so this books seems very appealing to me. Congratulations for your review, but also for finishing and understanding the book! Respect.
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Post by Bigwig1973 »

I was thinking Dr. Faustus meets William Blake's tiger: "And what immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry", but it's a math book! It sounds like he did a good job attempting to explain the development of a means to solving for the roots of a cubic equation. I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds like he explained the whole thing rather well. It sounds as if you enjoyed the challenge also, which is wonderful! A friend of one of my daughter's is good at math so I will recommend this to her as a gift for him!
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Post by Aisha Yakub »

Sounds a bit too technical for me. I'm not sure this is the right book for me, although it seems really great. Thanks for the insight.
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Post by Beauty Kalu22 »

Thank you for a well detailed and honest review. I've always loved non fiction books and this sounds like one I'll definitely love to have for myself.
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