This is a simple guide to learning the mathematics needed for most practical situations, including the use of a calculator. It shows how to work with numbers, including addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals and percentages and measurements. It also gives guidance in understanding simple graphs and tables. When these simple calculations have been mastered, the book shows how maths may be used in daily life, around the house, at work, shopping, in sports and hobbies, reading newspapers and magazines, and it even advises how to win the National Lottery!
Is this the right book for me?
An easy-to-follow guide to basic mathematics
Do you shy away from using numbers? Basic Mathematics can help. An easy-to-follow guide, it will ensure you gain the confidence you need to tackle maths and overcome your fears. It offers simple explanations of all the key areas, including decimals, percentages, measurements and graphs, and applies them to everyday situations, games and puzzles to give you understanding quickly and enjoyably.
Basic Mathematics includes:
Chapter 1: Reasons to be cheerful about mathematics
Is this book really for me?
Can I succeed now if I failed at school?
Hasn't maths changed since I was at school?
Will it help to use a calculator?
Can I help my child?
Chapter 2: The magic numbers machine
Numbers, numbers everywhere
Saying hello to your calculator
Introducing the counting numbers
Ordering numbers
Tens and units
Hundreds, thousands and beyond
Children and numbers
Chapter 3: Calculating with numbers
Properties of numbers
Adding
Subtracting
Multiplying
Dividing
Knowing what sum to do
Chapter 4: Fractions
Facing up to fractions
What is a fraction?
How to picture a fraction
Fitting fractions into the number line
What are equivalent fractions?
Adding and subtracting fractions
Multiplying and dividing fractions
Ratio and proportion
Chapter 5: Decimals
Decimal fractions
What is the point of the decimal point?
Using the four rules with decimals
Dividing fractions
An overview of decimals
Chapter 6: Percentages
What is a percentage?
Changing a fraction to a percentage
Why bother with percentages?
Chapter 7: Measuring
What do we measure?
Why do we measure?
How do we measure?
How accurately should we measure?
Imperial and metric units
Chapter 8: Statistical graphs
Barcharts and piecharts
Scattergraphs and line graphs
Misleading graphs
Chapter 9: Using a formula
Is algebra abstract and irrelevant?
Algebra as shorthand
Calculating with formulas
Proving with algebra
Chapter 10: Puzzles, games and diversions
Chapter 11: Spreadsheets
An overview of a spreadsheet
Why bother using a spreadsheet?
Using a spreadsheet
Number sequences on a spreadsheet
Percentages on a spreadsheet
What else will a spreadsheet do?
Chapter 12: Diagnostic quiz
Quiz
Solutions to the quiz
Detailed comments on the solutions
.
.
.
.
Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
