Book Review
Math & YOU Review
by Robert P. Hostetler
From undoubtedly one of the most prolific math textbook authors of all time, comes a crowning achievement--MATH & YOU: The Power and Use of Mathematics. This book is effectively designed to "match what is taught with what is used to run households, businesses, and government"--the intent as stated by the author, Larson.
The Pennsylvania State Education Agency (PSEA), in their Call for Change document states that: "With increasing social, political, and economic pressures that are placed on public schools, what may have worked in the past is no longer adequate to prepare for the future." From the perspective of appropriate mathematics for informed consumers, this book provides the resource for that change. It includes--among other relevant consumer topics--the mathematics of: budgeting, borrowing, inflation, taxation, description and sports.
The book is readable, practical and timely; and it challenges us to think in new ways regarding important consumer, business and government decisions. The colorful page format of up-to-date examples, solutions, graphics, check points, decision points, and concept extensions; develops consumer skills in problem solving, decision making, and evaluation of options. No matter what our occupation is, we all should seek to be informed consumers; and this book is designed to provide that information.
This book can be a vital consumer resource in secondary schools, adult education programs, and even as part of a core curriculum in Community or 4-yr Colleges. The extensive on-line resources further enhance the potential of this incredible work of educational genius.
Robert P. Hostetler
PhD, Mathematics Education
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College