Love Triangle

How Trigonometry Shapes the World

By: Matt Parker

Narrated by: Matt Parker

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

An ode to triangles, the shape that makes our lives possible

Trigonometry is perhaps the most essential concept humans have ever devised. The simple yet versatile triangle allows us to record music, map the world, launch rockets into space, and be slightly less bad at pool. Triangles underpin our day-to-day lives and civilization as we know it.

In Love Triangle, Matt Parker argues we should all show a lot more love for triangles, along with all the useful trigonometry and geometry they enable. To prove his point, he uses triangles to create his own digital avatar, survive a harrowing motorcycle ride, cut a sandwich, fall in love, measure tall buildings in a few awkward bounds, and make some unusual art. Along the way, he tells extraordinary and entertaining stories of the mathematicians, engineers, and philosophers—starting with Pythagoras—who dared to take triangles seriously.

This is the guide you should have had in high school—a lively and definitive answer to “Why do I need to learn about trigonometry?” Parker reveals triangles as the hidden pattern beneath the surface of the contemporary world. Like love, triangles actually are all around. And in the air. And they’re all you need.

©2024 Matt Parker (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Fine. Triangles are now my favorite shape.” —Hannah Fry, author of Hello World

“A funny and often surprising guide to the history of triangles—and the applications (both practical and highly impractical) of trigonometry.” —Tim Harford, Financial Times

“Matt Parker has made me laugh about math many times by showing just how weird it can get. He’s also made me cry about math by showing how transcendently beautiful it is.” —Adam Savage, MythBusters co-host and author of Every Tool’s a Hammer

Fun and witty take on why we should love triangles!

Full of imaginative ways to describe all the different uses of triangles discussed in this book.

There were several great insights given candidly that reassured and clarified what I feel are often subjects that do not get taught well in general education.

Having the author read the book makes it even better as well!

If you know Matt, then you know.

This is exactly what you expect in a book about triangles from Matt Parker, assuming you know Matt Parker. It's fun, nerdy, funny, and occasionally useful.

Delightful Matt Parker! I'll diagonally cut some carrots to give it a go! ❤️

Delightful Matt Parker! I'll diagonally cut some carrots to give it a go! ❤️ Great for my whole family!

Who knew I would love triangles so much

I love books read by the author and Matt never disappoints. I love his enthusiasm and British humor. He takes the humble triangle and illuminates its significance and practical application to the world around us.

Great book about the history and use of triangles.

I've watched Matt's YouTube videos for years. I was excited to learn that Matt narrated this book. I was a little concerned that some of the concepts would require illustrations, but Matt did a good job of adapting this for listeners. I may decide to get a physical book. There is a musical tune based on a concept, which was able to be played in this version, which was cool.

Math Fun

Math major really fun and kind of easy if you don’t understand anything that he’s talking about it doesn’t really matter for the story and plot

Excellent narration can’t make up for lack of PDF

Mr Parker shows his usual gift for self‐deprecating‐nerd levity. Regular viewers of his (laudable) YouTube channel might be frustrated that an apparent majority of ‘Love Triangle’ retreads content from his videos, but anyone else should find plenty of good stories here.

The author’s performance as the narrator of the audiobook version is excellent, but the lack of accompanying PDF is a baffling and devastating deficiency.

Ouch. I miss Humble Pi

Matt Parker's previous book, Humble Pi, is probably my single favorite non-fiction infotainment book. It's the perfect blend of dry delivery, humor, and serious match and computer concepts. It's possible that I've recommended that book to more people than has the author himself.

It was with great excitement that I pre-order this follow up book as soon as I could. What a disappointing choice. Love Triangle is just terrible. 10-20% is interesting bits and 80-90% is dull math minutia which he tries and fails to make entertaining.

Skip this book and buy Humble Pi -- it's still marvelous.