Dude, Can You Count? Stories, Challenges and Adventures in Mathematics [Hardcover]

Imagine algebra class meets The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy&

Meet JJ, an unusual character with a unique vantage position from which he can measure and monitor humanitys progress. Armed with a device that compels all around it to tell the truth, JJ offers a satirical evaluation of our attitudes to numeracy and logic, touching upon several aspects of life on Earth along the way, from the criminal justice system and peoples use of language to highway driving and modern art.

A collection of mathematically-flavored stories and jokes, interlaced with puzzles, paradoxes and problems, fuse together in an entertaining, free-flowing narrative that will engage and amuse anyone with an interest in the issues confronting society today. JJ demonstrates how a lack of elementary mathematical knowledge can taint our work and general thinking and reflects upon the importance of what is arguably our most valuable weapon against ignorance: a sound mathematical education.

 

JJ and the MICQ.- The Mathematical Commandments.- The Public School System.- The School Mathematical Education.- Language, Grammar, and Punctuation.- Foreign Languages.- Foreign Countries and Foreigners.- Mathematics and the Public.- The Question of Calculus.- Political Correctness.- TV Advertising.- Highway Driving.- Units of Measurement.- Percentages and Living on Debt.- Modern Art.- Averages and Buying Cars.- The Public Media.- The Criminal Legal System.- Civil Litigation.- Statistics and Probability.- Academic Politics.- Antisocial Behavior.- Mathematicians Versus Engineers.- The Evolution of Knowledge.- The Virtues of Mathematics.

From the reviews:

'This one-of-a-kind book by Christian Constanda skillfully blends humor, satire, basic mathematics, pedagogy, and social commentary in an intellectual, dialogic narrative that is fun, fascinating, and easy to read&The books instructional quality is further enhanced by a wealth edu