In classic James Tanton fashion, this book takes readers through some of mathematics’ most perplexing questions. James masterfully tackles the timeless student query—’Why do we need to do this?’—and transforms it into an invitation to wonder, discovery, and delight. With his signature joy and clarity, he helps readers make sense of the very problems that once felt out of reach. A much-needed resource that brings the beauty and purpose of mathematics to life!
With his Aussie wit, Tanton takes us on an almost whimsical journey to help us see a story of mathematics and think deeply about the inherent connections that exist. Rather than giving an instruction on how to teach in the classroom, he invites us to take a look back on many intriguing parts of school mathematics.
Powerful ways of thinking about numbers and operations are key to understanding and enjoying mathematics, but too often those foundations are seen as disconnected and joyless. In Math Decoded, James Tanton weaves a delightful storyline that connects, makes sense of, and brings joy to the study of mathematics. This is a book for everyone, and along the way, you’ll have many opportunities to say to yourself ‘I never thought of it that way, but I wish I had.’
To know James Tanton is to know that mathematics is a fully joyful and human endeavor! This book showcases his perspective perfectly through developing critical mathematical ideas in ways that just make sense. Tanton’s innovative approach provides educators with an untangled and transformational rethinking of mathematics that is fun to read and accessible for all.
What a wonderful and unique perspective James Tanton brings to this delightful book! His approach is irresistible: You’ll come away with a richer and more profound understanding of numbers and mathematical thinking.
James Tanton makes arithmetic a playground of wonder and delight, and he shows how you can too. Tanton’s insights shine as he illuminates the creative possibilities of math when you allow numbers to take a life of their own in wider contexts. His tantalizing philosophical questions will broaden your thinking and get students talking. Math Decoded is both a satisfying read and practical resource for every teacher and parent to explain why numbers behave as they do.
Reading this book, I could feel Tanton’s signature joy and enthusiasm for taking big ideas and breaking them into bite-size pieces that are easy to digest, while also blowing your mind. This is an amazing resource for any teacher looking to better understand, as Tanton says, ‘the poetry of mathematics.’ The journey through the book was both incredibly validating and completely inspiring. Each idea sparks thoughts about classroom conversations my students have engaged in and how to take these conversations further with the book’s tasks.
This book is a fast, fun, and inspiring journey through the big questions in learning and teaching mathematics! It sparks curiosity, joy, and deep understanding by offering clear insights, hands-on examples, and powerful ways to make connections to big ideas we once struggled to explain. A valuable and uplifting resource for students and teachers alike!
As math teachers, how many times do we hear ‘Why?’ from our students? I have heard it too many times to count and have been frustrated when I didn’t have the answer. Not anymore! In Math Decoded, James Tanton takes the reader through the story of mathematics that illustrates the power and beauty behind the numbers. In this book, math transforms from stand-alone rules to intertwining concepts. I highly recommend this book to all teachers looking to deepen their own knowledge of mathematics and that of their students.
This is an amazing resource for anyone who wonders, ‘why?’ Mathematician James Tanton takes us into an exploration of mathematical conundrums and curiosities like dividing by zero, multiplying two negatives, and fraction division, showing us why they work and giving us creative new ideas for helping learners. It is a must-read for all math educators and the mathematically curious.
A delightful journey into the playful depths of arithmetic. Tanton makes even classic stumpers—like ‘why can’t you divide by zero?’ and ‘what is infinity?’—feel like wondrous invitations to explore. This book is perfect for anyone who finds joy in the quirks and logic of mathematics.
Tanton brings to mathematics a quirky ‘what?,’ ‘why?,’ ‘how?’ approach that never fails to arouse curiosity. He’s grabbed my attention on issues I thought I knew inside-out. For a school-aged audience, his approach can be dynamite. This book is a wonderful, inspiring resource of intriguing questions that bring ‘everyday’ math to life.
This is a brilliant resource from a brilliant math educator who excels at unpacking complex mathematical concepts into simple, accessible ideas for everybody. Tanton brings meaning, clarity, and joy to mathematics. The book masterfully addresses ‘why’ questions, providing profound insights into numbers and their operations. A must-read for every educator!
James Tanton is a master at making complex math ideas easy to understand as readers are presented with concrete examples that extend to deep, mathematical ideas. Following each big idea, activities are provided to engage your students in topics they (and sometimes teachers) often find confusing. This book is a worthwhile read for any educator.
Math Decoded is James Tanton at his brilliant best: playful, profound, and passionately human. I’m constantly inspired by how he makes the abstract feel alive, and the complex feel inviting. This book isn’t just a masterclass in mathematical insight; it’s a love letter to the ‘why’ that fuels every curious learner.
James Tanton is a gift to mathematics education. There are few people who I consistently learn so much from, and Tanton is one of them. This book is no exception. His playful and rigorous style makes important questions in K–12 math highly accessible. These are questions that are relevant whether you’re highly experienced or teaching mathematics for the first time. I dare you to read it and not be wowed!
Math often feels like a play we’ve seen too many times—we know every twist and turn. Or so we thought. In Math Decoded, James Tanton takes us backstage, revealing surprising depth in even the most familiar concepts, and shows us not only new ways to understand mathematics, but also new ways to teach it more effectively. This is a backstage tour you don’t want to miss.