SCIENCES

The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity

by Steven Strogatz
. October 2012. 336p. 978-0-54751-765-0. 27.
COPY ISBN
Most people either love or hate mathematics, and much of the latter group’s ill will can be traced to a poor presentation of the subject in grade school. In this book, frequent RadioLab guest Strogatz (applied mathematics, Cornell Univ.; Sync: How Order Emerges from Chaos in the Universe, Nature, and Daily Life) makes a tremendous effort to remedy those past failings in math education. He is not afraid to include formulas, but he eschews calculation in favor of intuitive explanation. Each topic is presented clearly, spiced by humorous asides and accompanied by a selection of useful sources of additional information both in print and online for those who want to know more about the subject.
VERDICT This most entertaining popular mathematics book of recent years is highly recommended, particularly for educated laypeople looking to repair past antimath prejudices or middle school students just starting their mathematical education. [See Prepub Alert, 5/15/12.]
Reviewed by Sue White , Oct 15, 2012
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