Abstract
The discovery of DNA was one of the greatest scientific advances of all time. Watson and Crick realised there was a connection between our genes and a mathematical shape, a helix with two chains (as illustrated in Figure 3.1). They used an abstract mathematical shape to model actual shapes in the world around us, and their model enabled them to explain the relevant scientific data. We see here an instance of the way in which visual thinking plays a key role in applications of mathematics.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Copyright information
© 2001 Peter Kahn
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kahn, P. (2001). Thinking Visually. In: Studying Mathematics and its Applications. Palgrave Study Guides. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-10601-8_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-10601-8_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-92279-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-10601-8
eBook Packages: Mathematics and StatisticsMathematics and Statistics (R0)