Mathematics and Sex

By Clio Cresswell

Book Overview

Mathematics and sex may make odd bedfellows, but this fun, flirty look at the relationship between the two subjects shows that they are closely related. Revealing the ways in which math can help unlock the secrets of love, lust, and life's search for the ideal partner, this intriguing text covers topics such as dating services, dating as game theory, the mathematical logic of affairs, and the numbers behind orgasms. Math's answers to love's burning questions How much should one compromise in a relationship? Exactly what is it that is attractive in a lover? How many partners should one have before settling down? and What makes the infamous biological clock tick? are also revealed.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1741141591
• ISBN13: 9781741141597
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin
• Length: 177 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

How bunnies multiply

Good book. Never thought of the subject in that way before, however it was very interesting reading.

Captivating subject, casual approach

I [heart] Ms. Cresswell's premise: relationships and sex are approachable through mathematics. However, her approach leaves me either wanting more mathematics or a more formal voice. She doesn't skimp on the formulaic jargon, but does skimp on its explanation. You're teasing us Clio! Don't be so coy. If you're going to show us the nuts and bolts of how math can uncover the secrets of relationships and sex, then show us the full monty, and give me the details. Need the info. Yeah. Anyway, the "number of 'bonks' to successful pair bonding" tip is worth the price of admission alone but there are other insightful and perhaps instructional tips hidden in this work as well.

Good because it leaves out the math

I don't know why people are complaining about no math in this book. All the topics are well referenced at the back. This inexpensive book is light reading, entertaining, highly thought provoking and shows the way forword for those who want more details. And it is pretty cheap too.

A Wonderful View of Applied Mathematics

How can a book with a title like this not attract your attention? Why thig might even be interesting enough to attract the attention of the most jaded high schooler. In Clio Cresswell's view, mathematics is the study of patterns. And boy are patterns a part of sex. How many of us have married the same woman several times - different skins, same insides? What are the probablilities? How do you express this in an equasion. The writing style is wonderful. Here's the start of Chapter 7 -- Have you ever found yourself wishing there was another sex? "Maybe you have secretly wished for a sex with a penis that would cry with you at the movies, or a sex with breasts that would find copious beer drining the greatest turn-on since Elvis." It goes on to talk about the mathematics of having three sexes. "Just think how hard it is to pick up already in our set up. Imagine if you had to pick up two people each time. You would hardly ever get laid." A wonderful view of applied mathematics.

entertaining light hearted view of applied mathematics

Very much for the non-mathematician (there is nothing requiring any mathematical skill, just interest) this well written and entertaining book demonstrates the ability of incredibly simple models to capture extremely interesting behaviour, and comments wryly on such imprtant issues ;-) as how many people one should date before settling on "the right one".