Product Description

Thinking Mathematically unfolds the processes which lie at the heart of mathematics. It demonstrates how to encourage, develop, and foster the processes which seem to come naturally to mathematicians. In this way, a deep seated awareness of the nature of mathematical thinking can grow. The book is increasingly used to provide students at a tertiary level with some experience of mathematical thinking processes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #137302 in Books
• Published on: 1985-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Life changing
In my experience there are no books that could be termed "life changing". Except this one :)

My view of mathematics was as a dry, complete subject until I met the work of John Mason during my mathematics degree with the OU. This book completed what he started there - and changed me into a passionate mathematician, as opposed to someone who could simply do maths.

'Thinking Mathematically' helps teach you how to literally think like a mathematician, something that a lot of schools fail at. It uses a series of problems that are genuinely interesting and guides you through the process of solving them. For example; "How many squares are on a chessboard?" (It's not 64!).

The books only drawback is that time is not just spent on reading, but also really working on the problems, many of which do not have solutions, and thus I have never manged to finish it!

A wonderful book. Buy now!

A wonderful book for teachers and students alike
"Thinking Mathematically" is a wonderful book that I warmly recommend to anyone teaching mathematics, at any level, from primary school to university lecturer. I was recently involved in designing an undergraduate course incorporating mathematical writing and thinking, and problem solving. I have only subsequently discovered this book - and John Mason's "Learning and Doing Mathematics" - when I come to write the lectures for the course, these two books will be my main references. There are many excellent open-ended problems for investigation, and the thought processes involved in thinking mathematically are beautifully explained. The problems are at a sufficiently low level that they are likely to be useful for teachers at all levels. I shall encourage our library to buy copies of these books and will strongly recommend them to our students.

A unique and immensley practical book.
This book requires no specialist maths knowledge (hardly any required) but almost from the first page will immerse you in the techniques and strategies which underly mathematical thinking.
I've used this book for many years and still keep coming back to it.
It is the only book I've ever seen which addresses the true emotional states a problem solver must go through AND shows you how to deal with them. Best of all, it will teach you to ask your own questions and find your own answers by the time you reach the end.
I'd suggest one takes one time to really absorb the tips presented in the book - well worth it.