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What's the Point of Maths?
Maths makes the world go around. An educational book that will give you surprising answers to everyday maths challenges.
This book unpacks how maths is an essential part of our everyday life in ways that you never thought of. Crazy facts, magic tricks, mathematical brainteasers and beautiful illustrations show you that maths is interesting, fun, and unintimidating!
Ever wondered where maths originated from? This fantastic educational book unpacks all the curious questions that your child has about mathematics including intriguing historical stories that explore the often-surprising origins of maths that we use in our daily lives.
Learn about how the formation of number sequences began, to the origins of trigonometry and find out how to become a trillionaire! Maths in our daily lives is used in many things that might not even seem that obvious.
Maths Controls Just About Everything
Inspire your children with numbers and help bring mathematical explanations to life with this engaging educational book. Expand their knowledge in the complexity of understanding maths by using simple illustrative examples.
To make these topics more exciting and impactful, the book is full of great puzzles, awesome games and interesting facts that will break barriers in their understanding. "Try it out" examples give mathematical explanations that are simple and easy to grasp.
What's The Point Of Maths? will not only change your child's perception of numbers but give them the skills and understanding to apply the principles in their everyday life!
This educational book explains the point of:
- Numbers and counting
- Shapes and measuring
- Patterns and sequences
- Probability and logic
- Data and statistics
This book unpacks how maths is an essential part of our everyday life in ways that you never thought of. Crazy facts, magic tricks, mathematical brainteasers and beautiful illustrations show you that maths is interesting, fun, and unintimidating!
Ever wondered where maths originated from? This fantastic educational book unpacks all the curious questions that your child has about mathematics including intriguing historical stories that explore the often-surprising origins of maths that we use in our daily lives.
Learn about how the formation of number sequences began, to the origins of trigonometry and find out how to become a trillionaire! Maths in our daily lives is used in many things that might not even seem that obvious.
Maths Controls Just About Everything
Inspire your children with numbers and help bring mathematical explanations to life with this engaging educational book. Expand their knowledge in the complexity of understanding maths by using simple illustrative examples.
To make these topics more exciting and impactful, the book is full of great puzzles, awesome games and interesting facts that will break barriers in their understanding. "Try it out" examples give mathematical explanations that are simple and easy to grasp.
What's The Point Of Maths? will not only change your child's perception of numbers but give them the skills and understanding to apply the principles in their everyday life!
This educational book explains the point of:
- Numbers and counting
- Shapes and measuring
- Patterns and sequences
- Probability and logic
- Data and statistics
128 pages, Hardcover
Published January 2, 2020
58 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 12, 2019
This is a really fun book that uses history, exercises and colorful illustrations to teach kids how numbers, shapes, probability, sequences, prime numbers, etc. work and help people accomplish all kinds of interesting things. Kids will learn lots of math concepts and also see how these can be used to make codes, predict comets, measure the earth, tell time and much more. This would be a great book to help kids play with math and have fun with math concepts.
I read a temporary digital ARC for the purpose of review.
I read a temporary digital ARC for the purpose of review.
February 19, 2020
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This book has amazing art and colors! I wish this book would have been around when I was a child tbh this was a great book and I don't care much for math lol
January 26, 2022
Great book, teaches some of the history and uses of math. I learned some new things, even as an adult who likes math.
March 21, 2020
My sister got it for my kids, but I claimed it first. Informative and interesting and helpful to reframe math in my brain that struggles with the concepts.
May 26, 2020
I am just amazed as almost anyone else that I voluntarily read a book about math and the second part that amazes me even more is the fact that I did somewhat enjoy it. What madness is this?
The book as such explores on basis what is the importance of math and why math is important in our dailies lives. As such the book breaks down the subject by exploring five sections: Numbers & Counting, Shapes & Measuring, Patterns & Sequences, Data & Statistics and Probability & Logic in depth for a children's book.
Each section starts with a blurb on the importance of the particular section then the following pages cover various subjects in easy-to-understand writing. The two-page spreads gives an introductory paragraph followed by a illustrated step-by-step if exploring origins or various aspects that help contribute to the topic on the page. Furthermore some of the pages also offered exercises that readers can complete to learn more while the answer question is in the back although jumbled up.
The writing itself is mostly simple to understand and follow while certain parts I found quite informative such as the reasoning for Roman numerals and how to count on your fingers Babylonian style. The only thing I found some complaint was that some of the formulas didn't seem to be quite as clear to me so I wouldn't know whether children may be able to learn from them as much either since of the lack of clarification.
Finally I did enjoy the historical timeline in the back although one of the pages was a bit on the crazy side due to it started from the bottom with the older dates and then went up so in my digital reading I was thrown for a loop.
All in all this was an interesting book and quite informative while it will be a good addition to classrooms or homes where math is being focused on. Furthermore you can make it to where you read it all in one sitting, just take one section at a time or just a few pages.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
The book as such explores on basis what is the importance of math and why math is important in our dailies lives. As such the book breaks down the subject by exploring five sections: Numbers & Counting, Shapes & Measuring, Patterns & Sequences, Data & Statistics and Probability & Logic in depth for a children's book.
Each section starts with a blurb on the importance of the particular section then the following pages cover various subjects in easy-to-understand writing. The two-page spreads gives an introductory paragraph followed by a illustrated step-by-step if exploring origins or various aspects that help contribute to the topic on the page. Furthermore some of the pages also offered exercises that readers can complete to learn more while the answer question is in the back although jumbled up.
The writing itself is mostly simple to understand and follow while certain parts I found quite informative such as the reasoning for Roman numerals and how to count on your fingers Babylonian style. The only thing I found some complaint was that some of the formulas didn't seem to be quite as clear to me so I wouldn't know whether children may be able to learn from them as much either since of the lack of clarification.
Finally I did enjoy the historical timeline in the back although one of the pages was a bit on the crazy side due to it started from the bottom with the older dates and then went up so in my digital reading I was thrown for a loop.
All in all this was an interesting book and quite informative while it will be a good addition to classrooms or homes where math is being focused on. Furthermore you can make it to where you read it all in one sitting, just take one section at a time or just a few pages.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
August 3, 2024
Great book for parents who want to make their kids fall in love with math. Excellent structure and presentation with historical data. It is also useful for those who want to have a very brief and funny intro to practical math.
March 17, 2022
A Gift for anyone, who asks, what's the point of Math?
Gives you Pictures, History.
Level of Math: High-School
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
Gives you Pictures, History.
Level of Math: High-School
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
August 22, 2020
Become more mathematics-literate!
Truly an excellent, interesting book that puts our mathematical reasoning in anthropological context, which began in a very empirical way. Birds and mammals, including fish, have been shown to have the ability to estimate numbers to survive. The ability to count is innate in apes and scientists consider it to be a basic skill for life. So we cognitively have this ability to count, it should not be difficult to learn mathematics, we can make it fun for our children and give it an attractive context when it comes to the need to solve certain problems of daily life, in this way children expand their personal autonomy.
For whatever reason, teaching mathematics has been unappealing to many children, some are overwhelmed, and in some places it is one of the subjects with the highest rate of school failure. This book is a way to give context, to return to the practical sense by which humanity conceptualized them in the first place. Although over time humanity has developed a more sophisticated and abstract mathematical system, it is possible for any child to gradually climb in understanding.
The book provides very good information for the educator to develop a didactics that are closer to the innate empirical ability of children to learn, have visual support and develop manipulative materials. In this way, a multisensory mathematics laboratory can be created, where children can learn by "doing", manipulating and experimenting by playing, which is one of the keys to effective learning. Thus, 3 groups of teaching materials can be created: those that help to learn concepts, those that develop logical abilities and those that consolidate knowledge.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
Truly an excellent, interesting book that puts our mathematical reasoning in anthropological context, which began in a very empirical way. Birds and mammals, including fish, have been shown to have the ability to estimate numbers to survive. The ability to count is innate in apes and scientists consider it to be a basic skill for life. So we cognitively have this ability to count, it should not be difficult to learn mathematics, we can make it fun for our children and give it an attractive context when it comes to the need to solve certain problems of daily life, in this way children expand their personal autonomy.
For whatever reason, teaching mathematics has been unappealing to many children, some are overwhelmed, and in some places it is one of the subjects with the highest rate of school failure. This book is a way to give context, to return to the practical sense by which humanity conceptualized them in the first place. Although over time humanity has developed a more sophisticated and abstract mathematical system, it is possible for any child to gradually climb in understanding.
The book provides very good information for the educator to develop a didactics that are closer to the innate empirical ability of children to learn, have visual support and develop manipulative materials. In this way, a multisensory mathematics laboratory can be created, where children can learn by "doing", manipulating and experimenting by playing, which is one of the keys to effective learning. Thus, 3 groups of teaching materials can be created: those that help to learn concepts, those that develop logical abilities and those that consolidate knowledge.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
January 5, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
What's the Point of Math? is a new graphic format introduction to some basic mathematical concepts and history. Due out 28th Jan 2020 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is an engaging and logically formatted book which will appeal to middle grade readers. There's a short introduction which includes information about the history and usefulness of mathematics as well as a little info on dating systems (BCE and CE), as well as a 2 page spread with how mathematics ties into everyday life and is used for situations as disparate as music and medicine. This intro leads seamlessly into chapters covering counting and number systems, shapes and area/measurements, patterns, data and statistics, and probability and logic.
The concepts are useful and the colorful graphics and accessible language make them understandable and interesting. The art is simple and supports the text well. There are a fair number of humorous drawings (an alien showing base-8 counting smilingly shows us its 8 tentacles for example) which will certainly appeal to most kids.
This would make a super choice for a classroom or school library as well as a fun read for middle school readers (circa 9-12 years). Math and sciences are so vital and holding readers' interest is key. This is a fun book which might help show reluctant students how math can be very useful and fun.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
What's the Point of Math? is a new graphic format introduction to some basic mathematical concepts and history. Due out 28th Jan 2020 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is an engaging and logically formatted book which will appeal to middle grade readers. There's a short introduction which includes information about the history and usefulness of mathematics as well as a little info on dating systems (BCE and CE), as well as a 2 page spread with how mathematics ties into everyday life and is used for situations as disparate as music and medicine. This intro leads seamlessly into chapters covering counting and number systems, shapes and area/measurements, patterns, data and statistics, and probability and logic.
The concepts are useful and the colorful graphics and accessible language make them understandable and interesting. The art is simple and supports the text well. There are a fair number of humorous drawings (an alien showing base-8 counting smilingly shows us its 8 tentacles for example) which will certainly appeal to most kids.
This would make a super choice for a classroom or school library as well as a fun read for middle school readers (circa 9-12 years). Math and sciences are so vital and holding readers' interest is key. This is a fun book which might help show reluctant students how math can be very useful and fun.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
April 19, 2022
Packed with simple explanations, fascinating tidbits, and lots of illustrations, this book explains a lot of math without a lot of fuss. I wish I'd had it as a kid; I might have appreciated all those "impossible" subjects I was forced to learn, like trigonometry (the use of triangles to study spatial relationships), algebra (a field named after the first book about it by an Arabic mathematician), and geometry.
A lot of concepts in the book are still confusing to me, but not because of any fault of the authors. We're taken on a tour of math and symmetry in nature, from beehives to starfish. We're shown how curious thinkers thousands of years ago figured things out by watching sunlight reflect on well water and comparing it to the shadows they cast when standing beside a pillar at noon. We learn how Descartes, watching a fly on his ceiling, came up with the idea of plotting coordinates on a grid to show location. We observe the probability of a contestant on a fictional game show where there's a sports car behind one door and goats behind two others.
The book also offers readers plenty of ideas for testing math in their own surroundings.
But perhaps best of all, it highlights the many amazing contributions of women, including many that led to the proliferation and power of today's computers.
This book should be on the shelf of any household or classroom where a child (or an adult) has even a passing curiosity for numbers.
I loved the braille edition produced by National Braille Press. They rendered all the drawings and diagrams clearly and simply, making the mysteries of math accessible to all.
A lot of concepts in the book are still confusing to me, but not because of any fault of the authors. We're taken on a tour of math and symmetry in nature, from beehives to starfish. We're shown how curious thinkers thousands of years ago figured things out by watching sunlight reflect on well water and comparing it to the shadows they cast when standing beside a pillar at noon. We learn how Descartes, watching a fly on his ceiling, came up with the idea of plotting coordinates on a grid to show location. We observe the probability of a contestant on a fictional game show where there's a sports car behind one door and goats behind two others.
The book also offers readers plenty of ideas for testing math in their own surroundings.
But perhaps best of all, it highlights the many amazing contributions of women, including many that led to the proliferation and power of today's computers.
This book should be on the shelf of any household or classroom where a child (or an adult) has even a passing curiosity for numbers.
I loved the braille edition produced by National Braille Press. They rendered all the drawings and diagrams clearly and simply, making the mysteries of math accessible to all.
June 5, 2020
Kids often want to know why they have to learn math, because they think they won't have to use it when they are older, or that they can just use a calculator as an easy shortcut. This book takes a look at the history of the various aspects of math, from counting to probability to shapes and more. And then it tries to apply it to how we use it today in a way that kids should be able to understand. For example, one part discussing proportion and percentages shows how you can apply that knowledge to getting a bargain at the store. Quite practical, right? And the patterning section gets into code breaking, which is going to also appeal to some kids. There are even some fun activities to try out to explore the different concepts.
I love history and I love math, so this book is a perfect combination for someone like me. It has an overwhelming amount of information in it. It is not going to appeal to all kids, though. They will likely have to already have somewhat of an interest in history and/or math to actually pick this up and start paging through it. But they can learn a lot if they do.
Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love history and I love math, so this book is a perfect combination for someone like me. It has an overwhelming amount of information in it. It is not going to appeal to all kids, though. They will likely have to already have somewhat of an interest in history and/or math to actually pick this up and start paging through it. But they can learn a lot if they do.
Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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May 7, 2024I’m not the target audience for this book, a lovely big colourful Dorling Kindersley introduction to Maths. I’ve mostly read it because my DS was the graphic designer on this - and the series. He gets second ‘billing’ as the Lead Designer, although I’m not sure how the overall publication process works.
So, I was not surprised how much I enjoyed this (I am a nerd after all!), it was both a good refresher and taught me some stuff as well. I liked the mix of history and applied maths to provide real examples of how maths can be used in real life. There’s too much to summarise here, but a few examples; The Monty Hall Problem & Konisberg ‘7 bridges’; codes, cyphers, and cryptography; counting on our fingers (and other non-denary schemes); measuring the height of a pyramid; tricks for estimating and rounding (counting birds!) etc. etc. I’m looking forward to the next book “What’s the point of Science?” and the 3rd on Philosophy, which is in pre-production, I think ;)
So, I was not surprised how much I enjoyed this (I am a nerd after all!), it was both a good refresher and taught me some stuff as well. I liked the mix of history and applied maths to provide real examples of how maths can be used in real life. There’s too much to summarise here, but a few examples; The Monty Hall Problem & Konisberg ‘7 bridges’; codes, cyphers, and cryptography; counting on our fingers (and other non-denary schemes); measuring the height of a pyramid; tricks for estimating and rounding (counting birds!) etc. etc. I’m looking forward to the next book “What’s the point of Science?” and the 3rd on Philosophy, which is in pre-production, I think ;)
May 16, 2020
4.5 stars.
It's not every day that you come across references to the Antikythera Mechanism, and game theory, in a maths book aimed at 10-12 year olds.
I have enjoyed and been impressed by this book. It has managed to pack a lot into its 128 large format pages. It mostly aims for a broad introduction (topics include geometry, statistics, cryptography, logic) but also includes some in-depth articles (such as exponentials and game theory). It references pretty much every well-known mathematician. The explanations are meaningful - simple but not simplistic. And of course, having been published by DK, it is attractively and interestingly designed.
This can be enjoyed by children but is definitely not just for kids - as an adult who has studied some advanced maths, I still enjoyed and learnt from this book.
It's not every day that you come across references to the Antikythera Mechanism, and game theory, in a maths book aimed at 10-12 year olds.
I have enjoyed and been impressed by this book. It has managed to pack a lot into its 128 large format pages. It mostly aims for a broad introduction (topics include geometry, statistics, cryptography, logic) but also includes some in-depth articles (such as exponentials and game theory). It references pretty much every well-known mathematician. The explanations are meaningful - simple but not simplistic. And of course, having been published by DK, it is attractively and interestingly designed.
This can be enjoyed by children but is definitely not just for kids - as an adult who has studied some advanced maths, I still enjoyed and learnt from this book.
December 31, 2019
What adult hasn’t heard kids complain that math was boring and memorizing formulas since they’ll never use them. It’s the same story uttered by most students. This book points out the history of math and it’s slow progression over the centuries that was a real eye opener and one every parent should read in order to have ammunition against such negativity. On the other hand, both parents and teachers need to show how relevant math is to our everyday lives and not just some archaic, boring subject. This book is chock full of interesting tidbits that cleverly showcase that math is very useful, especially if you ever go on a game show!
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
January 24, 2023
My Quick Thoughts: If you have been reading my blog long enough, you know I enjoy reading Math related books. And this one is perfect, and to the point!
I love the concept, the illustrations, the explanations, the .. well, everything about this book. Using historical facts and stories, examples on how to use math in real life (from how to count your cows to how to host the perfect pizza party), as well as a gazillion other fun and challenging things, this book shows how (and why) math is used everywhere.
It is, if I have to come to the point, a gem of a book! Like infinitely wonderful, and shows readers that math is fun and important with vibrant illustrations and an engaging format. A totally great giftable book for all ages.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley
I love the concept, the illustrations, the explanations, the .. well, everything about this book. Using historical facts and stories, examples on how to use math in real life (from how to count your cows to how to host the perfect pizza party), as well as a gazillion other fun and challenging things, this book shows how (and why) math is used everywhere.
It is, if I have to come to the point, a gem of a book! Like infinitely wonderful, and shows readers that math is fun and important with vibrant illustrations and an engaging format. A totally great giftable book for all ages.
Source: Review copy from Netgalley
March 27, 2020
"Why bother learning this if we won't ever use it?" This title is a great tool to grab the interest of reluctant math learners. It can also serve as a jumping off point to help find subject areas that pique a particular child's interest.
Colorful pictures, clear graphics, and competent formatting make this resource easy to use. It's not meant to be read cover to cover, but there's something here for anyone, especially middle school kids.
I receive an advance copy of this book an exchange for my honest review.
Colorful pictures, clear graphics, and competent formatting make this resource easy to use. It's not meant to be read cover to cover, but there's something here for anyone, especially middle school kids.
I receive an advance copy of this book an exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ARC.
This is a FABULOUS book! It highlights the major content areas of math as well as people who were influential in that area. It a book that shows Mathematics are fun. Its a bit of a history of math, which is a great way to promote understanding apart from problem solving.
I would recommend this to elementary teachers who teach math as well as those who are exposed to math regularly.
This is a FABULOUS book! It highlights the major content areas of math as well as people who were influential in that area. It a book that shows Mathematics are fun. Its a bit of a history of math, which is a great way to promote understanding apart from problem solving.
I would recommend this to elementary teachers who teach math as well as those who are exposed to math regularly.
February 24, 2020
I can't give this a great rating because DK proves there is a point of math and I really wanted them to agree with me that the whole subject is, well, pointless. Interesting information. I actually read something on each page, although I confess as it's math, my eyese glazed over some. My guy, who loves math - weird - loved the book. He thinks there is a point of math and tries to help me every day.
August 15, 2021
Wow, honestly I thought that math itself=eternal boredom.
But(except for some parts that drove me crazy to understand), reading this book, I found math pretty decent!
Yeah, the math that I'm learning right now is boring, but just wait and there'll be things like how to win a game show(probability, which is just sooo cool), how to become a trillionaire(powers and sequences), and even HOW TO CATCH A CHEAT(the mean, the median, and the mode)!!
But(except for some parts that drove me crazy to understand), reading this book, I found math pretty decent!
Yeah, the math that I'm learning right now is boring, but just wait and there'll be things like how to win a game show(probability, which is just sooo cool), how to become a trillionaire(powers and sequences), and even HOW TO CATCH A CHEAT(the mean, the median, and the mode)!!
December 11, 2019
What's the Point of Math? by DK is an amazing resource for any child, parent, or teacher to have on their book shelf. My 10 year old loved going through this book with me and was fascinated by all of the illustrations. We loved that we could use this book as a math and history lesson in one! What's the point of Math has helped my child find a love for math that they never knew they had!
February 23, 2020
I really liked it! Tries very hard to avoid Eurocentrism and almost succeeded - until they largely ignore the rest of the world from 1500-1900CE. I know the stories from those times are not very well known and are harder to find but even more important that an author seek them out.
I will still recommend my school buy this book.
I will still recommend my school buy this book.
March 19, 2020
It does an excellent job of integrating mathematics with other subjects. It presents a whole-brain approach useful for more right-brained learners who may not respond well to the usual left-brain math exercises and drills. Finally, it exposes many practical applications. A good read for someone who may not be too fond of math class.
reviewed
January 31, 2022Out of the books that I have reviewed, this is the most suitable one with uncluttered layout that would not turn away kids still have not developed the confidence and love for math.
I will certainly use this book to discuss topics on math daily with my kid to tinker her wonder in the world of math.
I will certainly use this book to discuss topics on math daily with my kid to tinker her wonder in the world of math.
February 24, 2024
This is an educational book that explains basic number counting as well as advanced and complex mathematics such as probability, logic, data and statistics in a narrative format.
It is ideal for those who want to learn math up to high school in a visual way. However, it is very low volume and I wish it had more content.
It is ideal for those who want to learn math up to high school in a visual way. However, it is very low volume and I wish it had more content.
November 23, 2019
What’s The Point Of Math is another amazing book from DK. This book is fun book to flip through learning about math from history to today. It’s choke full of fun facts, history, and examples. A great recourse in better understand math!
July 20, 2020
By the end of this book you won’t be a math genius however is quit a nice book.
It explained very basic subjects and today’s use of the mathematical inventions, all packed with nice illustrations and even exercises to work on.
It explained very basic subjects and today’s use of the mathematical inventions, all packed with nice illustrations and even exercises to work on.
October 8, 2020
Math can be frequently boring and repetitive for kids. But with the help of this book we learned how to think imaginatively and creatively about the hardest mathematical topics. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to engage their kid (and adults) in the tricky world of math.
May 6, 2021
I originally bought this book for my kids. I should admit that this has helped me not just refresh my Maths knowledge but retaught me many unknowns. The approach for teaching all the key Math concepts is commendable. I should now get my kids on to this book.
January 31, 2022
Maths linked to the real world
Factual with lots of interesting little points, I really liked the part about famous mathematicians. What a brainy bunch! Ideal for my class of Y5 & 6.
Factual with lots of interesting little points, I really liked the part about famous mathematicians. What a brainy bunch! Ideal for my class of Y5 & 6.
March 7, 2022
What a fantastic book. I have been looking for the answers to many questions for the last ten years, and this book gives me the solution to too many questions. Thank you for writing a fantastic book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews