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Discover why the number 6174 is so mysterious.

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September 2008
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variational calculus

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Phil Wilson continues our series on the life and work of Leonhard Euler, who would have turned 300 this year. This article looks at the calculus of variations and a mysterious law of nature that has caused some scientists to reach out for god.

Tags: calculus : Euler : euler year : anthropic principle : variational calculus : least action principle : mathematics and religion