The Handy Math Answer Book, Second Edition
plain language questions take readers back to ancient Greece, shed light on the latest innovations of math in applications such as computing, finance, sports, and healthcare, [plus] math basics and history, through math in the physical and natural sciences and math in everyday life.
Book News
[I]f you want an overview of mathematics, this is a good book. ... ideal for classroom research. While math thinkers will enjoy the overview of their field, the authors offer an entry point for the rest of as well. This will work as book for curious kids to page through, as well as a reference text for reports.
Children's Literature
The Handy Math Answer Book is the perfect handbook to give your nonmathematician friends ....
Mathematics Teacher
a good resource for classroom teachers or parents. It is always nice to be able to answer questions about where the mathematics came from, who has contributed to our knowledge, why mathematics is useful, and why it is important for everyone to know this
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School
The text is clear and concise and is understandable to lay readers, while not oversimplified. This worthwhile resource will provide valuable background information to budding math experts; teachers will also enjoy posing these questions to their students.
School Library Journal
What's the formula for changing intimidation to exhilaration?
When it comes to math, it's The Handy Math Answer Book! In an engaging, easy-to-follow, question-and-answer format, everyday math concepts are tackled and explained in plain English (with a little help from numbers and formulas) to help enlighten you regardless of your comfort level with math.From their long history (and hints of the future) to how we use math in our everyday lives, and from refreshers on the basics of algebra, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry to clear and concise explanations of the numbers used daily in financial and market reports, weather forecasts, real estate valuations, games, and measurements, The Handy Math Answer Book is your guide to the world of numbers. Within these pages you’ll find explanations for the paradoxes, theories, formulas and other mathematical fundamentals.
Bridging the gap between left- and right-brained thinking, The Handy Math Answer Book makes numbers approachable to all. Math can be daunting, but a little understanding can bring the joy of understanding our world a little bit better.
What are a googol and a googolplex?
What are some of the basic “building blocks” of geometry?
What is a percent?
What are some of the mathematics behind global warming?
How does the adult brain process fractions?
What is a computer“app”?
About Patricia Barnes-Svarney
Patricia Barnes-Svarney has been a nonfiction science and science fiction writer for more than 15 years. She has a master's degree in geography/geomorphology and has worked professionally as a geomorphologist and oceanographer. She has written or coauthored more than 20 books, including The New York Public Library Science Desk Reference, and has written more than 300 articles for science magazines and journals.
Hometown: Endicott, New York
About Thomas E Svarney
Thomas E. Svarney is a scientist, naturalist, and artist. With Patricia Barnes-Svarney, he is the author of numerous science books, including Skies of Fury, The Handy Geology Answer book, The Handy Ocean Answer Book, and The Handy Dinosaur Answer Book. He has also contributed to several books, including The New York Public Library Desk Reference.
Hometown: Endicott, New York
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