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Math for English Majors: A Human Take on the Universal Language

AUTHOR Orlin, Ben
PUBLISHER Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers (09/03/2024)
PRODUCT TYPE Hardcover (Hardcover)

Description
In this trailblazing work from the internet's most empathetic math teacher, Ben Orlin unravels the secrets behind the world's most confounding language.
Math, it is said, is the "universal language." But if a language brings people together, why does math make so many of us feel so alone? In Math for English Majors, bestselling author Ben Orlin (Math with Bad Drawings) offers fresh insights for the mathematically perplexed and mathematical masters alike.

As Orlin reveals, the "universal language" is precisely that: a language. It has nouns (numbers), verbs (calculations), and grammar (algebra). It has funny idioms ("exponential"), quirky etymologies ("squaring"), and peculiar ambiguities ("PEMDAS"). It even has its own form of literature, with equations ranging from the simple wisdom of A2 + B2 = C2 to the startling profundity of e?i + 1 = 0.

Along the way, he shares relatable stories of his own mathematical misunderstandings and epiphanies, as well as the trials and triumphs of his students. And, as always, he sheds further light and levity on the subject with his inept--yet strangely effective--drawings.

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9780762499816
ISBN-10: 0762499818
Binding: Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 304
Carton Quantity: 20
Product Dimensions: 6.30 x 1.20 x 8.00 inches
Weight: 1.65 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Bibliography, Index, Price on Product, Illustrated
Country of Origin: CN
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Mathematics | History & Philosophy
Mathematics | Reference
Mathematics | Adult & Continuing Education
Dewey Decimal: 510.207
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023037677
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
In this trailblazing work from the internet's most empathetic math teacher, Ben Orlin unravels the secrets behind the world's most confounding language.
Math, it is said, is the "universal language." But if a language brings people together, why does math make so many of us feel so alone? In Math for English Majors, bestselling author Ben Orlin (Math with Bad Drawings) offers fresh insights for the mathematically perplexed and mathematical masters alike.

As Orlin reveals, the "universal language" is precisely that: a language. It has nouns (numbers), verbs (calculations), and grammar (algebra). It has funny idioms ("exponential"), quirky etymologies ("squaring"), and peculiar ambiguities ("PEMDAS"). It even has its own form of literature, with equations ranging from the simple wisdom of A2 + B2 = C2 to the startling profundity of e?i + 1 = 0.

Along the way, he shares relatable stories of his own mathematical misunderstandings and epiphanies, as well as the trials and triumphs of his students. And, as always, he sheds further light and levity on the subject with his inept--yet strangely effective--drawings.

Show More
List Price $30.00
Your Price  $29.70
Hardcover