Math Decoded: Explaining the Why Behind the Numbers and How They Operate (Corwin Mathematics Series) - Softcover

Tanton, James

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798348809287

Publisher: Corwin, 2026

Synopsis

Experience the joy of answering "why" in math class like never before

Mathematics often feels like a collection of disconnected rules, but what if you could uncover their underlying story? In Math Decoded: Explaining the Why Behind the Numbers and How They Operate, author James Tanton provides educators with a compelling and accessible guide to understanding the logic, purpose, and poetry behind numbers and arithmetic.

Move away from simply teaching formulas and procedures. Instead, discover the coherent and human story of mathematics that will enliven your classroom and deepen your own mathematical knowledge.

By addressing the "why" questions students frequently ask, this book offers clarity on tricky concepts such as dividing by zero, fractions, and negative numbers through these key features

• Engaging Structure: Each chapter begins with a thought-provoking question, explores real-world scenarios, and culminates in bold insights and classroom activities.
• Grade-Banded Tasks: Includes classroom activities for elementary to high school, ensuring relevance for multiple grade levels.
• Comprehensive Resources: Accompanied by videos, supplemental essays, and practical tools to deepen the learning experience.
• Accessible Style: Written in a friendly, relatable tone to explain mathematics’ most mystifying and rigorous topics.

With this book, educators will gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty, structure, and coherence of mathematics. Math Decoded will help you inspire your students to see math not just as a subject, but as an invitation to explore, discover, and think deeply about the joy of numbers.

About this title

About the Author

James Tanton, born in Adelaide, Australia, earned his PhD in Mathematics from Princeton University in 1994. A passionate ambassador for mathematics, James has dedicated his career to sharing the joy, wonder, and creativity that mathematics inspires. With over 20 years of teaching experience in both university and high school classrooms, he now works globally as an independent consultant, bringing his unique perspective to learners of all ages.

James is an author, video creator, and speaker who specializes in making mathematics accessible and delightful. He collaborates with teachers, designs innovative curricula, and leads professional development sessions and demonstration classes around the world. As the co-founder of the Global Math Project, James is on a mission to transform the way people perceive mathematics. His initiative has reached over 7 million students and educators across more than 160 countries, sparking curiosity and genuine excitement about school mathematics.

James currently resides in Berkeley, California, with his wife, Lindy Elkins-Tanton.

Edition details

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798348809287
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 312