Mastering Numbers: Everyday Mathematics Made Simple

by Andrew Jeffrey

The perfect antidote to numbers-phobia, this clear, concise guide explains everything you need to know about arithmetic, fractions, statistics, probability, algebra and geometry.

We all use numbers every day, yet many people are uncomfortable with them, finding them daunting and difficult. Others treat numbers as a practical tool they can handle quite well, while failing to appreciate their most amazing qualities.

This book is the antidote to number-phobia. As with learning to swim, youʼll never look these are skills youʼll use for the rest of your life. If you think youʼre good with numbers already, youʼll soon discover what youʼve been the endless fascination and beauty of numbers, and – at the more practical level – a whole range of techniques and shortcuts you never knew existed.
Mastering Numbers  brings the subject to life, replacing the atmosphere of the classroom with the wonder of the magicianʼs workshop. In learning to enjoy numbers, we discover a multitude of practical skills – everything from understanding statistics and the odds gamblers face to the interest rates on savings and ways to maximise your returns. Never again need you flounder in a business meeting or an encounter with your bank manager – and if the chance arises to chat to him more casually, you could impress with stories about pi, prime numbers, Fermatʼs theorem, and much else besides.

Full of enjoyable exercises, puzzles, demonstrations and self-testing interludes, this is a book to instruct and give pleasure.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2018

Reviews

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested an eARC of this book off Netgalley because I really wanted to get a kick out of numbers and learn a trick or two that'd give me the feeling of "math is not that scary, and numbers are as cool as Charlie Ebb would say on that show Numb3rs." Well, the short version is that it worked! I loved this book because it did disapprove some myths I had about numbers; one that they couldn't be fun and two, that I couldn't do much with them.
I wish I read this book or had such a book while I was somewhere in between my first and second year of high school!

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

`Mathematics is an art, a science and a language - properties shared, only, perhaps with music´. If you are looking those days of a moderate brains workout, this book will help you to keep your mind awake, without entering into high-end mathematical issues.
Most of the topics addressed deal with everyday challenges, an aspect that is not always outlined during the school mathematics classes. There are so many everyday life aspects that are connected with mathematical patterns but the ways in which sometimes this discipline is taught doesn´t build the right bridges. The author apparently is successful in using a lot of tricks to explore new concepts with his school classes hence his nickname ´Mathemagician´.
For an audience that left the school long ago, like me (which I loved mathematics), the book has so many good exercises and explanation of patterns. I still need a lot of practice to acquire the fluency I used to have, but books like this one is very helpful. Otherwise, it is never too late to start loving numbers. After all, you need to follow some mathematical directions and use the right estimated quantities when you are preparing that cocktail, isn´t it?

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[T Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear explanations and lots of useful ways to look at numbers and math. It does what it sets out to do, and I like math so I like the book. But will it attract people who are not already into math?

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who struggle with math this is the book for you. Very helpful and understanding is key factors in this book.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mastering Numbers
By Andrew Jeffrey
For me, this book was hit or miss on what I understood completely and what was over my head. The book did not translate well in my digital copy from the publisher. Many of the examples were difficult to follow as they were a bit scrambled. Overall though I enjoyed the challenge of looking at math as a subject of interest rather than an overwhelming task. I think that if you are looking for a positive perspective on math or are teaching math to a reluctant learner this book might hold some solid tricks to making math more comprehensive.

[Leanetta Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book to help me find a better way to help my son learn his maths. It is a great guide for those who struggle with mathematics.

[Mahvash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book is aimed at people who don't understand mathematics, I really enjoyed learning about mathematics in this format. I love mathematics and this book explained to me why, I have never been able to put it in to words before.

[LimeCream · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't struggle with numbers, so won't be the target audience for this book, nonetheless I found it readable and enjoyable, with some good ideas clearly explained.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this.

[Karma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contained basic information about mastering numbers. Unfortunately, it wasn't very useful for me because I was already aware of most of the information presented, maybe because I had math as a subject up and until one and a half years ago. It may be useful to you if you have never liked or understood math.

I received a free copy from Netgalley. It doesn't impact my review in any way.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mastering Math is a exciting book that may help you with your math. This is an informative book and well written.