Be Still, My Algebraically Beating Heart!

For all you number lovers out there, the NYTimes had a fantastic interactive article that lets readers create their own digital heart using algebra. Here’s a sample:

Like many geometric figures, a heart can be captured in all its curvaceous glory by a single algebraic equation. The equation for a sphere looks simple enough: x²+y²+z²=1. A heart is something more complex:

(x²+((1+b)y)²+z²-1)³-x²z³-ay²z³=0

Enjoy playing with the formula. See if the mathematical muses inspire you. 😉

via black_von