Do the Math! - by Theoni Pappas (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Kick start your brain with Do the math! math challenges that exercise those gray cells. Whether it's a computation problem, problems involving advanced equations, or challenges that use plain old logic, this book makes you use math.

Problems are provocative and engage your curiosity. The challenges cover a range of math problems, which tantalize, challenge, and amuse. Sometimes math skills help you solve them, other times you may rely on logic.

Do the math! is designed so that if you get stuck you can turn to its hint section.

Each challenge also comes with an in-depth solution, found in the solution section.

Problem solving fuels imagination and creativity. These 99 challenges stimulate your brain, challenge your wits, and increase your confidence. With each solution you experience a sense of accomplishment. And the challenges that you don't solve provide new insights on how to approach various new problems. By the end of Do the math! your mathematical toolkit is enhanced.

Review Quotes

"Pappas' books have been gold mines of mathematical entertainment for me and everyone I push in the bookstore to buy all of her books...spreading such inspirational and mathematical good cheer." -- Jon Scieszka, author of Math Curse and The Stinky Cheese Man

About The Mathematics Calendar:

"...very clever...profound quotations ...interesting mathematical information." -- San Jose Mercury

"Pappas has a light handed and clever approach to this most complex of subjects...The Mathematics Calendar unfailingly delivers a wealth of challenging puzzles interspersed with clearly illustrated and enlightening essays on mathematical concepts. It's always a bestseller in our shop, and long time aficionados literally bound in the door when the new calendar appears! A delightful and vastly informative start to your day... don't miss it." -- Bell's Books, Faith Bell, owner

About the Author

Theoni Pappas is passionate about mathematics. A native Californian, Pappas received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and her M.A. from Stanford University in 1967. She taught high school and college mathematics for nearly two decades, then turned to writing a remarkable series of innovative books which reflect her commitment to demystifying mathematics and making the subject more approachable. Through her pithy, nonthreatening and easily comprehensible style, she breaks down mathematical prejudices and barriers to help one realize that mathematics is a dynamic world of fascinating ideas that can be easily accessible to the layperson.

Her math calendars and over 18 math books appeal to both young and adult audiences alike. Three of her books have been Book-of-the Month Club selections, and her Joy of Mathematics was selected as a Pick of the Paperbacks. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Finnish, French, Slovakian, Czech, Korean, Turkish, Russian, Thai, simplified and traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Vietnamese, and Spanish.

In 2000 Pappas received the Excellence in Achievement Award from the University of California Alumni Association for her work on books and other innovative products that deal with mathematics. She lives in Palo Alto, CA.