8. FUN WITH FIGURES - details

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.