Summary
Contents
Subject index
How do pyramid scams work? Are reality television shows fair?
Why are sports so uncompetitive? Who really broke the bank in 2009?
Our world has become more complicated, and the notion of growth at any cost has led to constant economic uncertainty, a permanently stressed-out workforce, and everyday stories of government and corporate abuse. Author John K. White argues that a better knowledge of basic systems is needed to understand the world we live in, from pyramid scams to government bailouts, from sports leagues to stock markets, from the everyday to the seemingly complex.
Do the Math! is a fresh look at the numbers of daily living, providing a thought-provoking guide to better understanding the world around us and enlightening consumers about misleading practice. Numerous creative examples and illustrative figures help to explain the realities of our ever-confusing mathematical world, and modern economic and contemporary social issues link mathematical concepts to real-world examples.
Do The Math… Understand “The Normal Curve” and “Debt and Demographics” in 100 seconds!
“This book is easy to understand and very readable. I very much enjoyed the author's ability to use fables to explain mathematical concepts. He captures the reader's attention right from the beginning.” - Guillermo Wated, Barry University
“The author does a good job demystifying some pretty sophisticated mathematical concepts through the use of engaging and entertaining examples.” - John Bohte, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
“To be skeptical and know that there is more to the story in the numbers is very valuable, and could help make better consumers.” - Nancy Sonleitner, University of Tennessee at Martin
“Some stories are classic tales, some are current events, and others are hypothetical situations that all make the reader think and provide excellent visual matter.” - Terry F. Pettijohn II, Coastal Carolina University
“I personally love the unabashed connection to morality: what you should do versus what you can do.” - Stephen N. Kitzis, Fort Hays State University
Better numeracy - Do-it-yourself analysis
Social inclusiveness - Foster critical and strategic thinking
Uncomplicated mathematical discussion
Cooperation: The Art and Science of Agreement
Cooperation: The Art and Science of Agreement
In this chapter, we take a more formal look at cooperative strategy, beginning with problem solving and continuing on to the art and science of agreement via the non-zero-sum game and the prisoner's dilemma as it applies to game playing and strategic thinking. Along the way, we pay particular attention to some of the economic strategies rooted in our money-based world, including the 2009 credit crisis, ever mindful of the mathematics and morality we've already seen and how money seems to have its own rules. In the end, we hope to see how such strategies can be used to curtail excess in the markets and in our lives.
11.1. Bottom-Up or Top-Down Learning?
Attending ...
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