Review of
Childcraft:
The How and Why Library, Mathemagic, by World Books
Five out of five stars
This is a math
book, but the traditional manner of the presentation of mathematics in the form
of equations and rules is not done. Instead, this book contains a series of
historical vignettes regarding how many of the modern aspects of mathematics
were developed as well as some points of fun mathematics.
For example,
there is the development of the representation of numbers in various cultures,
ending with the development of the modern Arabic notation of numbers. There are
examples of basic probability and statistics, how the units of measure were
developed and modified over time, the development of units of time and why they
were necessary and some basic concepts of geometry.
This is mathematics
truly explained at the level of the child in late elementary school. It is easy
to understand and stresses the importance of mathematical concepts without
burying the reader in equations. There are detailed explanations of how
valuable concepts used in daily life were developed to serve humans as they carry
out their daily lives.
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