Math Charmers: Tantalizing Tidbits for the Mind

by Alfred S. Posamentier

Overview

Professional mathematicians often speak of the beauty of mathematics and the elegance of its solutions. Yet the esthetic appeal of math is rarely conveyed to students at the elementary, secondary, or even college level. Instead, most of us develop phobias in school about math's elusive logic and then pass these negative impressions on to our children. We should all be having fun with math and helping our kids to do better in life by encouraging them to appreciate not only its usefulness but especially its charm. That's just what veteran math educator Alfred Posamentier sets out to do in this delightful exploration of math's many intriguing, interesting, and fun qualities. Beginning with the beauty of the number system, thr author doesn't just talk mathematics; he entices readers to do math and discover for themselves just how stimulating the process can be! Brief and entertaining introductions to each chapter invite readers to try their hands at arithmetic marvels, surprising solutions, algebraic entertainments, geometric wonders, and fun mathematical paradoxes, among other topics. Presented in a reader-friendly, conversational tone, the text is very accessible and the examples are geared to a beginner's level, so that even the most math-phobic individual will discover the hidden joy and inherent appeal of doing math. This is the ideal book for adults looking for a way to turn their kids on to an important subject or discover for themselves what they might have missed in their own math education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591020677
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/01/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	301
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.15(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Alfred S. Posamentier is dean of the School of Education and professor of mathematics education at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Previously, he had the same positions at the City College of the City University of New York for forty years.  He has published over fifty-five books in the area of mathematics and mathematics education, including The Fabulous Fibonacci Numbers (with Ingmar Lehmann).

Editorial Reviews

"This stimulating, motivating and entertaining book tantalizes and charms the reader, teacher, and student alike with the beauty, the fun, the wonder, and the marvel of mathematics. ..This collection of fascinating tidbits…is an excellent collage. …I strongly recommend this book to all math teachers, math students, and many, many others.”-Science Books and Films “For a book that intends to convey the nature of pure mathematics, Posamentier's is far superior to many, which often involve long, difficult presentations on a single topic…Highly recommended.”-Choice Current Reviews for Academic Libraries“This inspiring book…is intended for the enjoyment of adults or older students, but segments can be adapted by teachers for students as young as fifth grade…There is information here for everyone, from the experienced mathematics teacher to someone who is willing to be intrigued…I strongly recommend this book to administrators and to all teachers of mathematics regardless of the grade level.” -Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School

From the Publisher