What’s the Point of Maths?
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Incredible historical and contemporary stories explore the often surprising origins of the maths we use today, from number sequences to trigonometry. Crazy facts, magic tricks, and mathematical brainteasers will amuse and entertain even the most reluctant math students. Find out why an hour has 60 rather than 100 minutes and how prime numbers keep the internet working. Colourful and uncluttered illustrations make mathematical explanations easy to grasp in seconds and make this user-friendly book simple to navigate and a joy to browse and read.
What’s the point of maths? is perfect for those who need some inspiration when it comes to numbers. It combines stories from history with simple visual explanations to bring maths to life. From spotting a bargain to talking to computers, from filling in a giant sinkhole to becoming a trillionaire, it shows children why core maths ideas were invented and how to apply them today – in the classroom and the real world! Accompanying the fascinating stories are puzzles, games, and amazing facts, as well as a lively challenge to help bring each of the topics to life. Stylish, colourful illustrations make the maths fun and unintimidating, while simple diagrams and steps make explanations easy to grasp in seconds.
Throughout the book, worked examples show readers how to solve simple maths challenges, encouraging children to improve their maths skills with hands-on practice. A vocational theme runs throughout the book, showing why maths is a vital skill in many fields of life, from science and entertainment to sport and travel.
73 reviews for What’s the Point of Maths?
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Kim L –
I love DK books because they are interested and so well illustrated/photographed, and this one is no exception. This turned out to be a great book to have in my house because my 10 year old was asking why math was so important. Well, look no further! Best of all, I even learned a thing or two.
J. Fuchs –
I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. That said, my inner child still loves the book–it makes general mathematical concepts fun and interesting and teaches them while answering those age-old questions of why bother and does this have any real-life application to my life.
Ariel Meadow Stallings –
What a perfect book for my kiddo! He’s nerdy and loves math and facts, but really needs real-world practical examples. This book is filled with trivia and factoids for the nerdy kids who are into that kind of thing, but is graphical and easy to read for kids who might be more hesitant with math.
The structure of the book is such that you can flip it open to any page and get some quick concepts, but interesting enough that you may want to read it cover to cover. I especially enjoyed the page about how to use charts to convince your parents to let you do something fun — clever!
Print quality is great — it’s got bold colors, but not overly bright. The cover is sturdy, and the paper quality is thick. This book would hold up well in a school library.
Highly recommended!!
KM –
I chose this book for my son. He’s nine years old and absolutely loves math. He was very excited to get this book, especially when it advertised on the cover that it would explain how to become a trillionaire. The book does a great job explaining math through history with beautiful illustrations. Really neat book. Definitely recommend.
Tech Expert –
Where was this book when I was growing up? While “What’s the Point of Math” is ultimately meant for my daughter, I think I’ll learn a thing or two from reading it. The book thoroughly explains the practical side of math starting with basics about numbers and counting, then it moves on to shapes and measurement, patterns and sequences, data and statistics and ends with probability and logic. The content is broken down in a very accessible way where you can potentially start introducing the beginning sections to a 4-5 year old (simplifying some of the topics) and as they move on to higher grade levels you can continue onward to the next sections as they are ready. The tone of the reading is very friendly and integrates history perfectly into each topic. The overall design of the book is also well executed. The illustrative layout is also well structured with a semi-handwritten type of sans serif font that makes each page the perfect balance of playful yet serious content. The illustrations really bring each page to life in an informative way. The hardbound choice makes it more authoritative and the uncoated paper stock on the interior gives it a modern and higher-end feel and look that’s lacking from many kids science books.
I highly recommend this book for all children. Even if the child can read, I think every parent should peruse the book as well. Great content for all ages!
Claire Todd –
I love that this attractive book presents lots of math concepts in interesting ways that show real-life application. While understanding the content in this book will likely pay off in math class, it’s less about that than just enjoying math thinking, including some ideas (like game theory) that they likely wouldn’t be taught in school for awhile.
My 10-year-old who’s in 5th grade math is currently at a great level to appreciate this book, so I’d say the age/grade recommendation is on target. Kids who already know they enjoy math may enjoy this book at an earlier age, when it’s challenging. Kids who are at a 5th-6th level but shy away from math will likely learn to appreciate it more from the clear, applicable, engaging content here that looks nothing like the workbook pages they dread.
Thraddash –
My kids are all pretty good at math but my 11-year-old actually LOVES math. I am so happy to have found this book for him because it does such an outstanding job of bringing fun to a subject he enjoys and teaches him new things that he wasn’t even aware of. Best of all, it enables him to apply this to help his younger siblings learn and appreciate math.
He loves this book and I am so happy that they designed this book. It has opened up a whole world for not just those in our house that love math but even those who didn’t!
5 stars!
B. McCarthy –
I found this book to be interesting. I felt that it was easy to read. It had a lot of great facts. There were some things that were very helpful, and some things that I already knew. Yet even when you already know something, hearing it again can be good to reinforce it.
I felt that it was well written. It was easy to read and follow around. I think a lot of people would find it easy to read. It was a decent length and had a lot of content. It is fascinating.
Lisa T Jung –
How many times as a parent or a teacher (homeschool) have you heard that statement ? Maybe everyday unless you are lucky and have a kid that loves Math. This book takes a new approach to an old question with a lot of new ideas and examples. Love how the book reinforces the subject with hands on demonstration that are vital to your kids growth. And maybe learn to love math.
And maybe will answer the question better than – Because the state says so. Which is my fall back answer. Lisa Book copy from Net Galley for review.
Carol –
The earliest records of humans using math are described and illustrated in this book in ways that make me say “if only!” — if only I’d had this, years ago! Math was my worst subject in first grade and I never did get a handle on it, but if I’d had access to a book like this 50 years ago, I might be able to balance algebraic equations today. (Might.) Yes, by sixth grade, I’d seen Donald Duck in Mathemagic Land, but by then, the damage had been done. Some kids got As in math with the same lame teachers I had, while I needed some other kind of teaching method.
This book is lively and colorful, a bit too busy for me, but probably not for ages 9-12. It’s not a textbook, so they can skip the pages with equations and nobody will spank them. (I hope. In first grade, I lost count of the number of times Mrs. Hoffman spanked me for coming to her desk saying I don’t get it. Everyone else got it! What was my problem? She’d turn me over on her knee and spank-spank-spank in front of the entire class. Parents thought nothing of it in those days.) I hope nobody punishes children who “don’t get it,” and I hope alternative books like this one help flip the light bulb “on” for kids who need an extra spark to shine on the subject.
My favorite part of this book is the history. Seeing how many characters it took for ancient Egyptians to count and record numbers, you can appreciate the beauty of our present systems with digits zero to nine and all their combinations. I didn’t realize that until this system evolved, it wasn’t even possible to do complex mathematical equations.
Then came the algebra chapter. I really thought this was going to do it for me: finally, I’d GET IT, I’d be able to Do the Math – but, um, let me keep at this awhile longer. {{blush}}
UPDATE
I showed this (n-1) formula to a math teacher. She said it’s not my fault I struggled:
> You can’t understand the material because it is poorly presented. This is not grade school level either, probably first time any student sees this is 7th grade and they don’t really understand it most of them until at least ninth grade…. WAY too advanced for age 9-12.
> This is a common formula taught in the seventh grade. Pretty much useless in real life. The example at the bottom is very confusing (the typeface is super weird) and even I had trouble understanding they were trying to calculate the 21st term because the last time they said so was at the very top of the page. That they used the word “number” instead of the correct word “term” really bugs the h^ll out of me. Math is an international language, and it’s very precise. These guys are sloppy. Readers of this book would spend hours trying to figure out what the h^ll the authors were even talking about in the first place. That’s my review of this one page.
> I see they did throw the correct word “term” in there once and only once. Talk about sloppy.
And on a related note, she wrote, “We’ve gotten grossly carried away with the level of material our kids are expected to memorize. They can’t tell assumptions from facts anymore. We are sunk.”
I sank 50 years ago, in first grade, but I’ve been dog-paddling and treading water ever since. Never too late to teach an old dog new tricks? One word: PHYSICS. Another word: TRIGONOMETRY.
Off to go walk my dogs and rejoice that hieroglyphics have been replaced with digits!
PaulM –
The book “What’s the Point of Math?” is an illustrated guide for students and adults to the world of mathematics. In fact, there is one physicist who has theorized that mathematics is the world: “Our Mathematical Universe: My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality” by Max Tegmark. In my profession, I am also a physicist, mathematical analysis is a necessity, whether you like it or not.
In this book, we see how our modern digitized system of numbers has evolved, including the concept of the zero. I think that if the Romans had a zero in their numbering system, we might have a year zero instead of skipping from 1 BC, e.g., -1, to 1 AD, leaving us with the issue of when decades start. Does the 20s decade start in 2020 or 2021?
The book tells us about measurements, time keeping, cryptography, and TV game shows. On a visit to Los Angeles, I tried out for Wheel of Fortune. At the time, I was staying at the home of a Cal Tech professor, who handed me the book: “Cryptanalysis: A Study of Ciphers and Their Solution” by Helen F. Gaines. Did the Gaines book help? I ended up with my fifteen minutes of fame and over $50,000.
The conclusion is that you really do not have to understand everything in this book, but the illustrations are well done and the stories are enjoyable.
Jean K –
This is a colorfully illustrated guide to many of the practical reasons for learning math. I love that the illustrations make it easy for kids to understand the concepts being explained. Excellent read. Recommend.
Sherry H –
I graduated from high school in 1964. I always enjoyed math in school and did pretty well in it. But it did perplex me about how would I ever *use* these things in real life!
This book shows many practical uses for the the formulas and equations we learned. I wish I would have had something like this when I was learning them.
The book has great drawings and explanations of math principles along with sort, simple “Try It Out” section to see how the principles work in real life.
Best for older elementary kids. I highly recommend this book and will pass it on to the grandkids when they’re older.
ChickenFriend –
When it comes to math, I’ll gladly take all the help I can. I greatly disliked it when I was in school. My oldest took after me, but my youngest two actually enjoy it. (That said, we’ve all enjoyed it a little more since using the Life of Fred books.) This book is a wonderful supplement to explain something they’re not understanding as well. It can give them another way to look at it(or another example of it). It’s colorful and fun to look through and it has all kinds of entertaining bits of trivia with it. It’s one of those handy books that could even be picked up when one is bored and unintentionally learn something new. It covers all kinds of topics pertaining to math, like ways others have used to tell time through history, fractions, mathematicians, patterns, rounding, estimating, prime numbers, and much more. It also tells why math is important and how it’s used in real life. There’s a glossary in the back to look up specific topics, too. While I wouldn’t use it as the only way to teach any of it, I do really love it for supplemental purposes.
Borinkan@PR –
7yr old liked it a lot. Has nice explanations easy for kids and adults or anyone to understand.
C Wahlman –
We like this book. I have been reading it to my 7 year old daughter. We both think it’s an interesting read. The art work and visual aids look beautiful and really help to understand each concept.
I am not great with math, so I was hoping this book would inspire and teach me as much as my daughter. It truly did. Sone of the concepts were a little much for us during a casual reading, but still informative.
I love how this is in essence a historical review of math. It has concepts that might be for older kids, but they explain things well. They break down word meanings and concepts into easier to manager parts. There us also a timeline of famous mathematicians and a glossary.
I highly recommend this book. I think it is great for all ages. It can be a useful reference too.
Andrea C –
Kids often want to know why they have to learn math, because they think they won’t have to use it when they are older, or that they can just use a calculator as an easy shortcut. This book takes a look at the history of the various aspects of math, from counting to probability to shapes and more. And then it tries to apply it to how we use it today in a way that kids should be able to understand. For example, one part discussing proportion and percentages shows how you can apply that knowledge to getting a bargain at the store. Quite practical, right? And the patterning section gets into code breaking, which is going to also appeal to some kids. There are even some fun activities to try out to explore the different concepts.
I love history and I love math, so this book is a perfect combination for someone like me. It has an overwhelming amount of information in it. It is not going to appeal to all kids, though. They will likely have to already have somewhat of an interest in history and/or math to actually pick this up and start paging through it. But they can learn a lot if they do.
Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah Kraus<span class="a-icon a-profile-verified-badge"><span class="a-profile-verified-text"></span></span> –
My 9 year old who loves math can’t get enough of this book. He is now giving everyone math facts.
april –
i enjoyed this even more than my grandchild, 8, did…and found out why the ancients used a base 12, 24 and 60, which has bothered me for 75 years…i wholeheartedly support those enlightened revolutionaries who wanted us to have 100 minutes, 10 hours, 20 hours, 10 months, etc, instead of using base 60, and fractions thereof…but at least i have now learned a rational reason why, so thanks… recommended!
Rafael Guillermo Iglesias Escobar –
My kid loved it, 100% quality, the material and the content. The way it uses common language to introduce kids into math is amazing. Full of interesting chapters.
Brandon/Bob –
Great homeschool book for roughly 4-5-6 grades, my 10 yr old son is bored with workbook pages of problems, but he’s enjoying reading about “real life” uses and applications of math concepts. Each subject is usually a 2-page spread with illustrations and short paragraphs, and he can usually absorb 2-3 concepts at a time before we move on to something else. I can pick a section to help illustrate a concept we’re working on in a math workbook, or let him browse and pick a section to read that catches his interest. It’s been a worthwhile book for us.
Loly Fuentes –
La calidad del libro es muy buena. Es para nuestro hijo…
Shaun Tabatt<span class="a-icon a-profile-verified-badge"><span class="a-profile-verified-text"></span></span> –
My kids love this book! I’ve even read it. It’s quite fascinating. Have a kid struggling with why we have math? Have them read this book. Many questions answered and inspiration provided. I love how this book provides context for different types of math problems and branches of mathematics.
The pages are colorful and engaging.
I would see the age level is sixth grade and older.
Highly recommended!
genieaz –
Contains great examples of applying maths to real life problem. And also includes inspirational examples of great mathematicians from all eras up to the very recent Maryam Mirzakhani. Great for both kids and grown ups!
Nala. –
I read a topic to my 6 year old daily. She loves it. She will practice the different ways people wrote numbers on the board.
Roxanne BP –
Bought for the kids, but i found myself completely taken by it and read it from cover to cover. Some interesting info and not too busy so it’s fun to read through.
Daniel –
Homeschooling a middle schooler who saw no need for stupid math. After reading just a couple pages she was inspired.
Evgeny –
My 8 y.o. son who does not like Math, was very busy reading this book for an hour! Just WOW!
raggazadilotta –
Such an interesting, illustrated story on math! How it evolved and why we need it! Perfect little addition to our homeschool library.
SHIVNARAYAN WAGHMARE –
The book is good for school going children. It explains maths and how it developed in the course of time. Worth buying.
Fashions Easyshop –
Very interesting book! Fast shipping!
Emily –
Brings math to life! Can’t say enough good things about this interesting & eclectic book! Especially for homeschooling where you can get creative & dive in with concepts. This book gives you great ideas & at the very least a context to help kids understand the back story in their lessons
Shago –
I bought this for our daughter who is almost 8 years old but it seems to be a book that slightly older kids might understand and enjoy more. The book is fascinating for kids and adults.
shyam sundar –
Good book to create intrest in young children.
Zo –
Wish I had this book when I was a kid
Shakh –
Good quality
Margot Wallace –
Purchased for an 8 year old. Some of the concepts are a bit advanced but he is able to grasp most of it. Would purchase again and highly recommend.
Vishal Palliyathu –
Such a delightful introduction into the world of Math. It starts with a story of the original ideas, and how math started as a necessity. Symmetry, Patterns, Code, the narration how math is applied in our daily lives is quite interesting
SBAK –
I think this is a great concept for a book, which is why I bought it, but my kids have little interest in reading in. We’ve browsed through it a few times, and it is beautiful but is more or less a decoration for our shelf.
pj –
Purchased for both math resource material for grandkids’ Christmas Eve scavenger hunt (based on mathematics this year) AND as a gift for 10-yr-old grandson who loves math. Colorful and organized chapters touch on the impact of math applications on everyday life. Presented in a lighthearted manner sure to encourage young math lovers to forge on…and to reassure the rest of us that math need not trigger a migraine!
SUNIL MURMU –
even though this book is for kids .but , onestly i found this book very interesting for me to .
i recommend this book to every one who are curious about math ,
must read.
Vikrant Dalvi –
A must have. Worth every penny asked.
Good bind quality
Good print quality
Good pages quality
Best information’s gathered.
JUST NEED TO INCORPORATE INDIAN CONTRIBUTION MORE CORRECTLY.
Dinostego –
Great book as it helps to link mathematical concepts to its applicable in our daily life. Bought this book for my 8yo who is very in to Math and hopefully for my 11yo who simply can’t see what’s the use of Math!
Reviewer –
Good quality.
No unanticipated or unwelcome issues.
Received as expected.
NC mom –
Great pictures and examples, makes challenging mathematical concepts relatable and interesting. It’s been great nighttime reading a couple of pages at a time. Understandable for 1st grade, but still interesting concepts for 4th grade.
Karen –
Factual with lots of interesting little points, I really liked the part about famous mathematicians. What a brainy bunch! Ideal for my class of Y5 & 6.
Riya Hussain –
Very good book for younger kids age 4-9 years old! Also another plus point is that the font size in this book is a little bigger than the fonts in their DK super simple series (on which it is difficult for me to read along as it stress my eyes).
stephanie –
Very good book!!!
Lamentation –
Blend the deep math truth and historical math events into the sample words that kids will can understand. Great supplement for the school curiculumIllustration are also great!
Leo Paws –
My grand daughter complained that her school math lessons have no TaDa, that is no reveal, no point. Going through this book with her opened her eyes. I am very grateful.
Debbie –
I just added this book to our homeschooling Math curriculum. We love learning about how people in ancient times counted things with their bodies, then progressed through to today with our advanced Math. It’s fun to finish our lesson with this book, my grandson loves the pictures too! This book would be good for anyone wanting to learn why Math is so important.
Maribel Saez Rubio –
No puedo opinar sobre el libro porque no es para mi
WP –
A great book for an inquisitive child who is curious about math and is in the 8 to 12 year old age range.
Mummy Picnic –
Informative with pleasing graphics to inform and cultivate a love of Maths for young ones.
a.cranko: –
My daughter, 9, loves math and loves this book. She was excited to see all the ways numbers can be used. The chapters are set up in an enticing way, so it’s easy for anyone (kid or adult) to be interested in some part of it.
Learning and Journaling –
This takes Math to a deeper understanding for the Math-resistant kids. It gives it purpose and builds life skills as it’s so applicable to everyday life.
Who doesn’t want to know how to become a trillionaire?? Or how to count cows?? 😆
Ef –
The information is presented in a fun way and catches the attention of the reader.
Sasha –
I homeschool and math is not my kid’s favorite subject. This book helped see the importance of math and I’ve learned such cool facts too!
Toni –
I got this for homeschooling.
This book really answers the age old question, and it does it in a way that is entertaining and captivating. Great illustrations; great explanations and examples…for something that is technically a reference book, it’s really a page-turner. Seriously, I enjoyed it so much that I have read it cover to cover just because it never stopped being interesting. There’s a whole line of these “What’s the point of” books, and I intend to get every single one of them.
Heather –
I have been learning a lot as an adult and also getting ideas on teaching the basics of math to young people.
Beetee –
I’ve been trying to find books for my 8 yo who doesnt really enjoy fiction. This book is fab, she loved it and has had fun learning about maths – particularly writing codes messages!
Ros G –
I bought this book as a gift for my son, and he loves it.
He’s been in love with numbers since he was 2 years old. When he saw the book he was very exiceted and so far we have had a good time together.
He loves to write his birthdate and all family birthdays in various numeral systems and other games we can do with it 🙂
Thanks
Shea –
Love this book. Perfect condition.
TJ –
I’ve been using this in my classroom to help connect kids to the importance of math outside the classroom. My kids enjoy the different things inside the book and have built a bigger interest in math as a result. Great purchase.
Violet –
I’m a 6th grade teacher and find this book very fascinating. It’s got so many mathematical and historical connections that make it perfect for 6th grade math and social studies. We study the ancient civilizations.
girishshahapurkar –
Content as expected from DK is informative, lucid, and engaging with excellent graphics and layout. However, I was not at all happy with book binding quality. As shown in pic it has come out.
Mr. Chimperson –
I picked this book up for my 5-year-old. He has a talent/aptitude for numbers and math, but has only started reading… so this is advanced for him. But I figured that numbers and math aren’t just a fun game to play… numbers and math are a language and tool that can be used to do some really big and important things! I do have to help him out reading it at the moment. But it’s a very nice book, and I think that, in not-too-far into the future, he’ll be able to read and enjoy it more.
JASMI N –
Good
Kate Vinkovskaya –
Bought a second copy for my niece and nephew!
Corpuscle –
Great book to stimulate smart kids.
Truly Montessori –
This book is amazing to learn about the history of math and how math is used in everyday life
momo –
The book is very interesting, kids like math because this book.
my_c2s –
Interesting book for my 6 years old daughter, she loves it.