Basic Mathematics: Teach Yourself - Softcover

Graham, Alan

 
9781444105032: Basic Mathematics: Teach Yourself

Synopsis


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.


"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Alan Graham has been a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Open University for over 30 years and has worked widely with schools and the media.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title