Description
In this trailblazing work from the internet’s most empathetic math teacher unravels the secrets behind the world’s most confounding language. Math, it is said, is the “universal language.” But if a language brings people together, why does math make so many of us feel so alone? This book offers fresh insights for the mathematically perplexed and mathematical masters alike.
As the author reveals, the “universal language” is precisely that: a language. It has nouns (numbers), verbs (calculations), and grammar (algebra). It has funny idioms (“exponential”), quirky etymologies (“squaring”), and peculiar ambiguities (“PEMDAS”). It even has its own form of literature, with equations ranging from the simple wisdom of A2 + B2 = C2 to the startling profundity of eπi + 1 = 0.
Along the way, he shares relatable stories of his own mathematical misunderstandings and epiphanies, as well as the trials and triumphs of his students. And, as always, he sheds further light and levity on the subject with his inept—yet strangely effective—drawings.
Review from Amazon: James Orlin
I really like this book. It’s filled with pleasurable “aha moments” where something you know (or knew) in math suddenly becomes clear and interesting. This book will be enjoyed and valued by a wide range of readers with a wide range of math backgrounds. But I’ll single out a very specific group. If you are a parent and want to help your elementary school child with math homework, this book will be will be enormously helpful to you, while also being a pleasure to read. It will provide you with mathematical insights and connections that will make it much easier for you to understand precisely what your child is learning (or should be learning) math. The book will make doing math with your child much more rewarding and pleasurable experience. And even if you are not the parent of an elementary school child, you will find the book to be a joy to read. Ben is a great writer, and he is also a great son.
Leave a Reply