Published by Quercus, 2012, softcover, illustrated, index, pocket edition, condition: new.
Both simple and accessible, Maths in Minutes is a visually led introduction to 200 key mathematical ideas. Each concept is quick and easy to remember, described by means of an easy-to-understand picture and a maximum 200-word explanation. Concepts span all of the key areas of mathematics, including Fundamentals of Mathematics, Sets and Numbers, Geometry, Equations, Limits, Functions and Calculus, Vectors and Algebra, Complex Numbers, Combinatorics, Number Theory, Metrics and Measures and Topology. Incredibly quick - clear artworks and simple explanations that can be easily remembered. Based on scientific research that the brain best absorbs information visually. Compact and portable format - the ideal, handy reference.
Turns out this book is really helpful. I know it's supposed to be basic but I would be way over my head to say that I have understood everything from it. I think part of the problem is the way Mathematics is taught. I know how to use simultaneous equation and differentiation but that's only because I memorized them. Reading made me reassess what I thought I knew and understood. I never realized that calculus was all about studying changes, nor did I understand that the axioms of geometry were that powerful and influential to builders and architects of the past. Even the concept of Prime numbers, complex numbers, rational/irrational numbers, square roots eluded me for so long. Sure I could Identify them and I could use a calculator to just calculate it, but the concept of how and why I didn't know. I think I view mathematics quite differently now rather than thinking of meaningless rules and numbers, I finally understand some of the thinking behind, the concepts behind and how they tie up with other fields. There's a lot of the basics I do not understand even now and unashamed to say that it will require more than one reading, or more than one resource or maybe assistance rather than simply solo reading in order to grasp. Also, there are some concepts such as probability and statistics that I wish to pursue more extensively. I think I will keep this book as a reference so that some of the key learnings do not simply erode with time.
