Sneaky Math: A Graphic Primer with Projects: Ace the Basics of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus with Everyday Things (Volume 9)

by Cy Tymony

Cy Tymony, author of the best-selling Sneaky Uses series, brings his unique, fun hands-on learning approach to all things math.

 Many people fear math and numbers, even Barbie, who famously said "Math class is tough" in her controversial 1992 talking doll version. But in Sneaky Math , Cy Tymony takes tough and turns it into triumph. He shows us how math is all around us through intriguing and easy projects, including 20 pass-along tools to complement math education programs.

 The book is divided into seven

 1. Fundamentals of Numbers and Arithmetic
 2. Algebra Primer
 3. Geometry Primer
 4. Trigonometry Primer
 5. Calculus Primer
 6. Sneaky Math Challenges, Tricks, and Formulas
 7. Resources

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

Cy Tymony has created his homemade inventions since he was a kid. His imagination and innovative way at looking at the world continues today as a technical writer and computer network specialist in the Los Angeles area. He has appeared on CNN and NPR, and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and U.S. News & World Report.

Reviews

[Heather Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for every Math teacher, K-college, as well as every kid! There are so many ways to show math concepts in a fun and understandable manner in Sneaky Math. I will be buying 3 copies: for my 8th grader, my highschool junior and for my middle school Library.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to love math. I wanted a refresher, and this looked interesting. However, it's graphics heavy, and light on explanation, clarity of images, examples, and general comprehensibility. After struggling through the beginning weirdness, I tried to read a section about a topic I do understand, and wound up being *more* confused!

No, I did not read it all. But I definitely read enough to know it's a terrible book, at least for readers like me and, I'm sure, for many more.

February 2025

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, remember those days of sweating it out in math class and the frustrations of sitting at the kitchen table and trying to figure out your math homework so you wouldn't get in trouble the next day at school? Can you recall the frustrations and anxieties? The zombie-like parents that tried to help you out of your math quandary? And yes, they really did try to help you. The expensive and often ineffective tutors that came and went? And the incessant staying-after-school-to-get-extra-help-days because math made little sense to you and you wanted to show both your teacher and your parents that you were at least trying? Oh and who can forget those boring drills and piled-on problem-solving questions that only added to your stress right? "You can't do this math?....ha ha ha...let's give you more to do.... that will fix your problem...good luck with it."

Well Cy Tymony's creative brain has designed a book that might just turn all that math-chaos-in-your-brain totally around. The primer is practical, full of fun activities, and begs you to get involved. The hands-on approach will win you over and even help you remember how math works while truly enjoying the experience! It is a modern day math miracle that your kid's need to discover.

These easy to make projects help you understand math concepts with ease and with understanding. You can file them away and call them forth for future use when needed.

Remember these concepts from school? I bet you don't... not all of them anyway:

*Division and multiplication with mixed fractions
*Square roots and exponents
*Algebra variables and functions
*Practical formulas used in every day life
*Geometry and trigonometry techniques
*What calculus is and how it is used
*Unusual math symbols and their usage
*Getting started with scientific calculators
*Using spreadsheets for math operations
*Creating Sneaky Math designs and challenges

OK I'll admit it...even reading the above list gives me hives and a pain in my tummy. But one thing I do know, this book will ease that pain considerably. As I re-visit these math concepts and implement the knowledge in this book, I will see them in a brand new light and in a fun manner. Think how your kids will feel when the lightbulb turns on and they actually "get it." Whether you are a "newbie" at this math stuff or need a re-fresher's course this book is for you. I am positive you will love what Cy has to offer you. Problem solved!

[Jaguar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sneaky Math: A Graphic Primer with Projects: Ace the Basics of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus with Everyday Things" by Cy Tymony is a REALLY COOL book on helping with math. I couldn't believe what cool things you could make to help you solve problems, and it makes them so much simpler! A great book, and I will be using it this fall to help me with my math.

2015-Summer-Reading-Review