Math for the Frightened: Facing Scary Symbols and Everything Else That Freaks You Out About Mathematics

by Colin Pask

There's something about a language of symbols and equations that most people find intimidating. Mathematician Colin Pask gently introduces you to the main ideas of mathematics and painlessly demonstrates how they are expressed in terms of symbols. He teaches the reader not onlywhy symbols are used, and how and why equations are constructed, but also exactly what is achieved by doing that. Through simple yet intriguing examples in number theory, Pask generates confidence in thinking mathematically and reveals the pleasure of seeing how mathematical patterns evolve and are explored.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Science

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2011

Reviews

[Lennart Lopin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, one I wished was part of a series. It does a very good job in taking you from some basic mathematical concepts and helps you understand how math functions and operates building on what you already explored from chapter to chapter to more difficult topics. I wonder how many of our students would develop a greater love for the subject if more textbooks were organized like this. Hopefully, the author will create another book similar to this one!

[Mills College Library]

510.148 P282 2011