How Not to Be Wrong

How Not to Be Wrong: The Hidden Maths of Everyday Life

Non-Fiction, Education, Smart Thinking
Paperback Published on: 26/05/2015
£12.99
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Synopsis

The maths we learn in school can seem like an abstract set of rules, laid down by the ancients and not to be questioned. In fact, Jordan Ellenberg shows us, maths touches on everything we do, and a little mathematical knowledge reveals the hidden structures that lie beneath the world's messy and chaotic surface. In How Not to be Wrong, Ellenberg explores the mathematician's method of analyzing life, from the everyday to the cosmic, showing us which numbers to defend, which ones to ignore, and when to change the equation entirely. Along the way, he explains calculus in a single page, describes Godel's theorem using only one-syllable words, and reveals how early you actually need to get to the airport.

  • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
  • ISBN: 9780718196042
  • Number of pages: 480
  • Weight: 330g
  • Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 20 mm

Customer Reviews

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How Not to Be Wrong
Very readable even if you are not a mathematician. How to understand statistics and think outside the box. Short chapters adapted to read whenever you have... READ MORE
elena PEREZ
How Not to Be Wrong
How Not to be Wrong - A Math-Phobic Reviewer's Delight
A book about Maths?! Really?! O. K. I thought, I can do this (but having struggled with maths all my life it was a great leap into the unknown) a... READ MORE
ElleBee
How Not to Be Wrong
When am I going to use this?
This book tells you exactly where you are going to use maths in your everyday life. Ellenberg explains where probability, algebra and geometry contributes ... READ MORE
Margaret
How Not to Be Wrong
Fascinating and practical
This book is a fascinating look into how mathematical thinking can be applied in all kinds of situations. Ellenberg blends mathematical concepts with anecd... READ MORE
Safia Chaudhary