Math for Grownups: Re-Learn the Arithmetic You Forgot From School So You Can, Calculate how much that raise will really amount to (after taxes) Figure ... homework Convert calories into cardio tim [Paperback]

Laura Laing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 18, 2011

Ever wish you'd paid more attention in math class? From third grade to senior year of high school, it went in one ear and out the other, didn't it?

But now you're staring at the new washer and dryer, trying to figure out the percentage of sales tax on the purchase price. You multiply something by something, right? Or you're scratching your head, wondering how to compute the odds that your football team will take next Sunday's game. You're pretty sure that involved ratios. The problem is, you can't quite remember.

Here you get an adult refresher and real-life context—with examples ranging from how to figure out how many shingles it takes to re-roof the garage to the formula for resizing Mom's tomato sauce recipe for your entire family.

Forget higher calculus—you just need an open mind. And with this practical guide, math can stop being scary and start being useful.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Laura Laing graduated from James Madison University with a BS in Mathematics. After teaching high school math for four years, she became a staff writer for Inside Business. Her articles have appeared in Parade, The City Paper, Baltimore Sun, and The Advocate. Visit her blog at www.mathforgrownups.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (July 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440512639
• ISBN-13: 978-1440512636
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #912,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars The Book Could Have Been Much Better September 23, 2011

By Dennis

Format:Paperback

The idea behind "Math for Grownups" by Laura Laing is a good one, but the execution is poor.

There are no figures in the book and yet the author is writing about everyday math.
For example, she helps the reader construct a flower bed without any visual help.

Secondly, there are at least three major errors in the book.
For example, on page 116, the author says, "If you divide 23 by 12,
you'll end up with 2 1/12 cups", but 2 1/12 should be 1 11/12.
On page 204, the formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit should be
9C/5 + 32, not 9/5(C+32).

Dennis White

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ready to help with my kid's math homework! July 29, 2011

By Lisa Jaffe Hubbell

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have long worried about the time when I wouldn't be able to help my son with his homework. When would he bypass my skills -- especially in the kinds of math that I just haven't had to use in a long while.

Thankfully, Laura Laing has written a great refresher course in Math For Grownups. It's wise, witty, and most importantly, will get me through my son's next few math classes.

Thank you Laura! I'm in your debt.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! June 22, 2011

By Roxie

Format:Paperback

This was a fun book to read! Math can be challenging, and this book made it easier. The book is full of useful tips and funny stories. Most of these books would bore me to tears. I'll actually read this one again, and use it for shopping, car buying, travel and much more.
Definitely worth the money.