Page 11 - 'Blast_Into_Math
P. 11
Blast into Math! To the reader
1 To the reader
Understanding this book requires a solid foundation in basic mathematics and algebra. You should be
able to use variables to represent unknown numbers and solve algebraic equations. You should also
have learned about absolute values, exponents, logarithms, and geometry. It is fine if you have learned
but since forgotten about these concepts, because you will be reminded through the course of the book.
This book is especially suitable for:
• students making the transition from rote mathematics to proof-based mathematics;
• students who are interested in learning mathematics not typically offered in school, and who
may use this book on their own or with an instructor;
• people of any age who are curious about pure mathematics and current mathematical
research. This book will take you on a mathematical adventure leading up to ideas,
techniques, and problems on which mathematicians are working today!
Throughout this book you will be called the reader. To reap the most benefit from this text, you should
be an active reader. You should ask questions, write down solutions to your questions and to questions
posed in the text. You should not believe anything in this book unless you understand how it follows
logically from established facts. Although carefully written and proof-read, it’s possible there may be
errors, and you may be clever enough to find them.
Please do all the exercises. It is in doing and struggling to do problems that you learn mathematics. If
you spend hours on a single problem and do not solve it, you have made mental progress. Please do
not be discouraged. I (and many smarter mathematicians) have spent countless hours struggling with
math problems which later seemed embarrassingly easy. We are all cheering for you and your efforts!
GO READER! YAY READER! ! YOU ARE CLEVER, AND YOU CAN DO IT!
Good luck, reader, and see you in the next chapter where the mathematical fun begins…
11
