The perfect antidote to numbers-phobia, this clear, concise guide
explains everything you need to know about arithmetic, fractions,
statistics, probability, algebra and geometry.
We all use numbers every day, yet many people are uncomfortable with
them, finding them daunting and difficult. Others treat numbers as a
practical tool they can handle quite well, while failing to appreciate
their most amazing qualities.
This book is the antidote to number-phobia. As with learning to swim,
youʼll never look back: these are skills youʼll use for the rest of your
life. If you think youʼre good with numbers already, youʼll soon
discover what youʼve been missing: the endless fascination and beauty of
numbers, and - at the more practical level - a whole range of techniques
and shortcuts you never knew existed.
Mastering Numbers brings the subject to life, replacing the atmosphere
of the classroom with the wonder of the magicianʼs workshop. In learning
to enjoy numbers, we discover a multitude of practical skills -
everything from understanding statistics and the odds gamblers face to
the interest rates on savings and ways to maximise your returns. Never
again need you flounder in a business meeting or an encounter with your
bank manager - and if the chance arises to chat to him more casually,
you could impress with stories about pi, prime numbers, Fermatʼs
theorem, and much else besides.
Full of enjoyable exercises, puzzles, demonstrations and self-testing
interludes, this is a book to instruct and give pleasure.
