Preface
We set out to design a textbook for the non-calculus track student. What follows on these pages is an excursion into Mathematical Literacy. Similar to the ability to read and write quantitative literacy requires a person to be fluent in the language of mathematics. While never venturing into the tedious depths of symbol manipulation so many of us have encountered in school we strive to introduce you to a new point of view for mathematics and the application of basic mathematics to more fully understand the world around us. Do not get us wrong there will be some symbols to push around and you will be required to read, a lot. The end result from reading through this text and working your way through the exercise sets will be that you will have gained understanding of essential tools required for being quantitatively literate.
There are seven chapters in this book and more or less each chapter builds on ideas and concepts discussed in the previous chapter starting with chapter one, Number Sense. We wrote with hopes that you read along and enjoy the conversation. Each section follows the same pattern. First, we introduce an idea or situation from this extraordinary world in which we live. Then we present and solve a few examples. Then it is your turn. Vocabulary is stressed, literacy is mandated. Mathematics is like any other language and the student is taught how to be fluent. Development of the student’s ability to use the words from mathematics in context to form an argument is the essential skill developed through out the text.
Incorporating real world problems from the world around us is the focus of the text. Concepts are evolved from scenarios as seen in CNN.com or Time magazine as opposed to contrived or artificial word problems that are sometimes found in mathematics textbooks. The on-line projects are deliberate they are intended to inspire the student, as well as to make the student numerically aware of the world where he or she lives. Emphasis is placed on interpretation and seeing reasonableness in an answer. From finding numerical values to designing policies based on these very same results, problems are explored holistically all the while rigor is stressed. The text itself is designed to be readable. Enjoyable. Educational. This readability was a priority in the construction of this text.
All of us live in a society where numbers are meaningful, yet the populace is not educated to understand the true meaning of numbers. How apropos if everyone was simply numerate, literate, fluent in understanding the numbers that abound us. Empowered to critique, understand and take charge of our own conclusions with respect to the numbers we are confronted with everyday. We live in a world punctuated with numbers and we should be quantitatively literate citizens.
Please read this book with a sense of intrigue and a splash of indignation. Then look at your society and the numbers that besiege you every day with a sane sense of consternation. And when you have finished reading this book be critical in your view of the numbers that confront you each and every day and be confident in your ability to interpret, react and enjoy your understanding of the meanings behind the numbers.
Cheers,
Jay P. Abramson and Matthew A. Isom