This delightful little book is sub-titled: Is it Maths or Magic?
It contains spectacular mental maths short cuts: for example for multiplying
numbers like 97 and 88 (which are close to 100), calculating from
left to right (which is easier for mental maths), a method for multiplying
any 2-figure numbers together in your head using a simple pattern.
Also adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, checking calculations,
adding and subtracting fractions and so on. The book also has many
illustrations, inspiring quotes and descriptions of outstanding mathematical
feats performed in the past by 'lightning calculators'. 1998; Author:
K. Williams; 52 pages. This is now only available as an ebook: see
link below.
now
available as an ebook
Reviews
"Your 'Fun with Figures' is a great little book - just the thing
to impress the hell out of my geriatric girlfriend" - Harry Bell
from Scotland
"Its one of the best books I have ever read" - Peter Leadbetter,
computer consultant
"Brilliant, fantastic- I have always been looking for a book like
this that shows how interesting and easy maths can really be"
- Tony Tharpe, commercial manager
"I was up until 2 o'clock in the morning. I couldn't put the
book down, it is compulsive" - Elizabeth Sutherland, retired
maths teacher
"I 'stumbled' upon your wonderful (and fascinating)
book "Fun With Figures"... and I'm so happy that I did!"
- Tamara Hunt, homeschooling parent
Review of "Fun with Figures" by Kenneth Williams
Review by Laura Pickford Ramirez
An Educational Gift for Kids and Families
When it comes to math, generally you can divide children into two
camps: those who love it and those who don't. Children who dislike
math usually struggle with the basics. It's my belief that one reason
children have such difficulty with math is that current teaching methods
work in opposition to the mind.
A new ebook provides a viable solution. By teaching children how to
perform calculations the same way they read and write--from left to
right--they can perform complex calculations in their heads. The book
is based on the ancient system of Vedic math. Since Vedic math mirrors
the way the mind works, even kids who struggle with it can learn how
to perform mental calculations easily. Those who excel in math will
be motivated to greater accomplishments.
A perfect example of this is my seven year old son, Colt. Currently
in second grade, he knows how to add and subtract numbers, but has
not yet learned how to multiply or divide. Using the techniques in
this book, I taught him how to multiply any two digit number by 11
in his head. When I showed him that he could figure out the answer
faster than I could enter the equation into a calculator, he was so
excited that he spent an hour figuring out the answers to various
equations and writing them down. The next day, he presented this to
his teacher, who was quite impressed. All this from a kid who doesn't
even know how to multiply yet.
The true measure of any system is its applicability to real life.
This system teaches children how to check sums, allowing them to quickly
ensure that a restaurant bill has been added correctly or check change
from a cash register transaction. The book is full of practical examples
that will make children excited about math. It's the struggle associated
with doing math in the traditional way that "dumbs down"
kids and turns them into students who squirm at a mention of the subject.
When kids discover that in addition to being able to do the calculations,
they can perform them in their heads, they will develop an affinity
for math. It is natural for children to love subjects in which they
excel.
The ebook is full of neat tricks that will impress teachers and friends.
Imagine the stir your child will create when he's able to call out
the answer to the square of 75 before anyone else can figure it out
on paper or multiply numbers like 103 x 106 in his head. This method
of mental math is fun and exercises the brain in a whole new way.
The book is sprinkled with quotes from geniuses like Einstein who
underscore the beauty of math with quotes that will inspire even the
struggling mathmatician. The book also features interesting stories
about regular people who were able to perform incredible mental feats
using the secrets of Vedic math.
Whether your child struggles or has an affinity for math, he or she
will find value in this 56 page electronic book. Parents can purchase
the book online, print it out and use it as a stocking stuffer. I
also recommend that you give the gift before the holidays--as soon
as vacation starts. Make every day a learning day by teaching a new
secret of Vedic math. When your child returns to school after the
holidays, he will have a practical tool that will help him excel in
school and in the outside world.
" . . . Nature is the realization of the simplest conceivable
mathematic ideas."
~ Albert Einstein
Copyright 2003 by Laura Ramirez. This review may not be copied in
whole or in part without the express written consent of the author.
This article may not be redistributed in any form.
To
purchase the ebook, click here:
"Brilliant mental math lessons that will amaze everyone!"
"Fun with Figures" - Introduction
Ten-year old Truman Henry Safford was asked:
'Multiply in your head 365,365,365,365,365,365 by 365,365,365,365,365,365.
He flew around the room like a top, pulled his pantaloons over the
top of his boots, bit his hand, rolled his eyes in their sockets,
sometimes smiling and talking, and then seeming to be in an agony,
until, in not more than one minute, said he, "133,491,850,208,566,925,016,658,299,941,583,225!"'
"Lightning calculators" are not that uncommon and while we may not
be able to match the brilliance of a Truman Henry Safford, we can
all develop, with the aid of this book, a talent at mental mathematics.
With these super-easy methods you need no longer be caught between
the drudgery of the old dinosaur methods and the 'cop-out' of the
calculator. When Bharati Krsna Tirthaji reconstructed the ancient
system of Vedic Maths (used in this book) earlier this century, he
uncovered a beautifully integrated and complete system of maths which
had been lost for centuries. The Vedic system mirrors the way the
mind naturally works and so is designed to be done mentally.
Fun with Figures is for those who think they are no good at maths-
and for those who are good at maths. It is for those who would like
to steal a little lightning. The book answers a need of our time,
offering easy, enjoyable maths which improves mental agility and memory,
promotes confidence and creativity- as well as being useful in everyday
life..
Each double page shows a simple mathematical method and so is independent
of the others (with two exceptions, which are indicated). In addition
to the various everyday situations indicated in this book, you will
surely find many other occasions for the use of these easy methods.
There are many exercises for you to practice and answers at the end
of the book.
