The Joy of Mathematics: Marvels, Novelties, and Neglected Gems That Are Rarely Taught in Math Class

Wouldn't it be great if all school teachers (from kindergarten through high school) would share the joy of mathematics with their students, rather than focus only on the prescribed curriculum that will subsequently be tested? This book reveals some of the wonders of mathematics that are often missing from classrooms. Here's your chance to catch up with the math gems you may have missed. Using jargon-free language and many illustrations, the authors--all veteran math educators--explore five areas--arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and the ways in which mathematics can reinforce common sense. Among other things, you'll learn "the rule of 72," which enables you to quickly determine how long it will take your bank account to double its value at a specific interest rate. Other handy techniques include an automatic algorithm for multiplying numbers mentally and a clever application that will allow you to convert from miles to kilometers (or the reverse) mentally. A delightful presentation of geometric novelties reveals relationships that could have made your study of geometry more fun and enlightening. In the area of probability there is a host of interesting examples: from the famous Monty-Hall problem to the counterintuitive probability of two people having the same birthday in a crowded room. Finally, the authors demonstrate how math will make you a better thinker by improving your organizing abilities and providing useful and surprising solutions to common mathematics problems. You'll come away with an appreciation for math you never thought possible and a true appreciation for this "queen of the sciences."

Author: Alfred S. Posamentier, Robert Geretschlager, Charles Li
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 08/22/2017
Pages: 319
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781633882973


Review Citation(s):
Choice 03/01/2018

About the Author
Alfred S. Posamentier has published over sixty books in the area of mathematics and mathematics education, including, most recently, The Circle: A Mathematical Exploration beyond the Line (with Robert Geretschläger). After having been on the faculty of the City College of the City University of New York for forty years, where he was a professor of mathematics education and dean of the School of Education, he subsequently held the same positions at Mercy College, New York, for five years. He is currently executive director for internationalization and funded programs at Long Island University.

Robert Geretschläger is a mathematics teacher at Bundesrealgymnasium Keplerstrasse in Graz, Austria. He is the coauthor of The Circle (with Alfred S. Posamentier), Geometric Origami, and other works.

Charles Li is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Mercy College. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center, and his B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from Cooper Union.

Christian Spreitzer teaches mathematics and physics at the University College of Teacher Education in Lower Austria.