Product Description

Almost all adults suffer a little math anxiety, especially when it comes to everyday problems they think they should be able to figure out in their heads. Want to figure the six percent sales tax on a $34.50 item? A 15 percent tip for a $13.75 check? The carpeting needed for a 121/2-by-17-foot room? No one learns how to do these mental calculations in school, where the emphasis is on paper-and-pencil techniques. With no math background required and no long list of rules to memorize, this book teaches average adults how to simplify their math problems, provides ample real-life practice problems and solutions, and gives grown-ups the necessary background in basic arithmetic to handle everyday problems quickly.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #400045 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

From Library Journal
This is not a book for people who are afraid of math, although it is presented as an antidote to the way math is often taught in school. The author expresses a fascination with mathematical principles and a joy in number manipulation that will seem entirely unfamiliar to those who dislike math in the first place. The book offers a concise overview of basic arithmetic and helpful techniques for solving story problems (the bane of every schoolchild's existence). It's not quite as much fun as a book of math puzzles, but a grade-school student who enjoys math might like this book, or it could be used as a workbook for a class. For popular math collections.
- Amy Brunvand, Fort Lewis Coll. Lib., Durango, Col.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"An antidote to the way math is taught in schools." -- Library Journal

About the Author
W. J. Howard is a mathematician who specializes in making technical information understandable to the general reader. He lives in Reedsport, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

One of my all time favorite books
This book is a great way for people to learn how to do simple math problems (arithmetic operations) in their heads. Unlike some other books in the same genre that simply give you gimmicks without explaining how or why they work, W. J. Howard offers tricks that have a solid basis in mathematical logic and explains the rationale. Another problem that many other mental math books have is that they require you to memorize a lot of rules that aren't easily relatable to common sense. Dr. Howard's book, however, only gives you a few rules which are easier to remember because they have a logical basis.

Even if you aren't interested in mental math, this book is a great refresher for those who have forgotten how to do arithmetic without a calculator. So toss out your calculators, sharpen your pencils, and buy this book. You won't regret it.

Mental Math
Howard's book is the perfect addition to the homeschoolers' curricula. This book teaches you all those techniques your old fashioned math teacher used to teach and that aren't in the standard math text. It gives an overview of each idea and follows with sample problems. Tremendously helpful in getting your student to make that leap between concrete math of elementary school and the abstract math of Algebra. Works with even the math-shy student. Should be a part of every parent's arsenal of math aids. Helps the parent remember these as well.