This book is about mathematics and not a book on mathematics. The book will be of interest to those who have knowledge of school level mathematics and want to be aware of its fascinating and charming aspects which they might not have been exposed to, or might have missed in school days. The book is also intended to motivate in particular the youngsters into feeling attracted, fascinated and excited about mathematics instead of dreading it.
The book is primarily a collection of school level topics of mathematics which lend themselves to relatively simple mathematical analysis. An effort has been made to present certain basic areas of school mathematics in a way that may provide intellectual stimulus and excitement to the reader. It has been the intention of the author to inform, entertain and make common people comfortable with mathematics instead of getting scared of it. The book takes the reader on a ‘walking tour’ of certain exciting and fascinating aspects of the popular areas of school level mathematics.
The book has been divided into two parts. The first part is titled ‘Charm and beauty in mathematics’. In this part an effort has been made to highlight charming, exciting and fascinating aspects of school level mathematics and its applications. It is spread over the first eleven chapters. The second part of the book is titled ‘Mathematical diversions and recreations’. It introduces the reader to a variety of games and puzzles based on mathematics which provide not only good pastime and refreshment to the mind but also help in sharpening the mental faculties for critical and fast thinking. This part of the book contains five chapters.