Curious: Life hacks through maths

by Lily Serna

From Lily Serna, as seen on Letters and Numbers and Catalyst.

How can maths help you to kick the perfect penalty goal, win an argument, impress your friends and spot fake news?

With easy-to-understand maths logic, simple psychology and engaging anecdotes from her own life, mathematician Lily Serna shows us that maths can unlock the secrets of the universe. For she has been curious about the universe ever since her grandfather taught her about infinity when she was five years old.

Now, she shares her wonder at how things work through mathematically proven and fascinating insights. She wants to help all of us - especially the maths phobic - embrace the maths that surrounds us and solve the most common problems of modern living - all without making us learn a single formula. Well, maybe just one or two friendly ones . . .

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2019

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in layman's terms, this book is funny, interesting and...even useful.
Recommended for curious, quirky people.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writings a little forced but it’s a fun- enough read. There are chapters on maths for history/Grover shopping/ dating/ sport but my favourite bit was at the End and then cheats way to do arithmetic - e.g. how have I not known you can either times by 5- or halved your number and times by 10! Or even more embarrassing how 25% is half and then half again 🤯🤯 something in this book for everyone!!

[Pam Ela · Rating 3 out of 5]

maths

[Isaac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite tedious with not the most engaging writing style

[Katie Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute book, easy read, very quick

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, gentle introduction to some topics of mathematics that are then applied to real life situations to help the reader improve her life and get over on others in friendly competitions.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book.

[Ashley Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, fun, and some good time math puzzles to keep you awake at night.

But don’t read the games hints section. You don’t need to. Unless I’ll never play you, then, maybe should indulge yourself on that too.