Mathematics: Its Power and Utility

This text explores the power of mathematics and shows how mathematics has revolutionized the world. The main theme throughout this book is problem solving. In the first part of the book, "The Power of Mathematics," Smith begins by discussing math anxiety and how to formulate the problem. Students develop confidence and then learn problem solving techniques from arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. In the second part of the book, "The Utility of Mathematics," students apply these techniques to topics that were selected because of their usefulness to students. The topics include managing money using the ideas of interest, installment buying, credit card buying, inflation, buying a car or home, sets, probability, contests, statistics, surveys, and the influence of these topics on students' lives. While building critical-thinking and communication skills, students develop an appreciation of mathematics as they each learn something that will make life easier, less costly, or more efficient.