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Is Math Real?: How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths Hardcover – August 15, 2023

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

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Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize 
A
New Scientist Best Book of 2023

One of the world’s most creative mathematicians offers a new way to look at math—focusing on questions, not answers
 

Where do we learn math: From rules in a textbook? From logic and deduction? Not really, according to mathematician Eugenia Cheng: we learn it from human curiosity—most importantly, from asking questions. This may come as a surprise to those who think that math is about finding the one right answer, or those who were told that the “dumb” question they asked just proved they were bad at math. But Cheng shows why people who ask questions like “Why does 1 + 1 = 2?” are at the very heart of the search for mathematical truth.  

Is Math Real? is a much-needed repudiation of the rigid ways we’re taught to do math, and a celebration of the true, curious spirit of the discipline. Written with intelligence and passion, Is Math Real? brings us math as we’ve never seen it before, revealing how profound insights can emerge from seemingly unlikely sources.   

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From the Publisher

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Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng
Art of Logic in an Illogical World Beyond Infinity How to Bake Pi X + Y
Customer Reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars
118
4.2 out of 5 stars
206
4.2 out of 5 stars
299
4.4 out of 5 stars
128
Price $13.86 $16.05 $14.76 $19.38
Explore the Works of Eugenia Cheng Insightful, useful, and funny, this essential book is for anyone who wants to think more clearly. This teaches us how both logical and emotional reasoning can help us live better in our post-truth world. How one powerful concept reveals the biggest (and smallest) mathematical truths. One of the world's most creative mathematicians finds the meaning of mathematics in the kitchen in this "whimsical…rigorous and insightful" (New York Times) book. A brilliant mathematician examines the complexity of gender and society and forges a path out of inequality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in Science & Technology

A New Scientist Best Book of 2023

“[Cheng] also succeeds in making the reader feel that not understanding something in mathematics isn’t the same as being bad at it: rather, it is a clue that you are onto something deeper, the pursuit of which could reap rewards.  The book is infused with personal ruminations that lighten the load and keep the tone conversational…Cheng wears her heart and politics on her sleeve, segueing seamlessly…from mathematics to social concerns…Nicely parried, while providing fodder for those who want to chew on this some more.”―
New Scientist

“The maths content of Eugenia Cheng’s book is brilliant …The mathematical journey that Cheng takes us through is mesmerizing….do read it if you want to know more about the nature of pure mathematics and about being a mathematician.”―
Popular Science

“[
Is Math Real?] demonstrates the ways that seemingly naïve questions can unlock fascinating journeys to understanding math for math’s sake.”―Science News

“An invigorating philosophical take on the field…Cheng has a talent for making mathematical discussions accessible, and her wide-ranging analysis leads to some surprisingly weighty conclusions…It adds up to a stellar meditation on the nature of knowledge and math.”―
Publishers Weekly (Starred)

“A fantastic, thought-provoking read. Cheng is the kind of mathematician and writer who performs some sort of creative magic that enables you to understand what you thought you couldn’t, and makes math fascinating.”―
BookRiot

“[An] entertaining foray into the more philosophical realms of mathematics… For the budding mathematician in the house, to say nothing of lovers of puzzles and enigmas.”―
Kirkus

Is Math Real? is a generous tour of mathematics for anyone whose instincts tend less towards ‘Just tell me the answer’ and more towards ‘Wait, but why?’”―Jordan Ellenberg, author of Shape

“This book is a brilliant rebuttal to those who see math as only about right answers, rather than about creative discovery. In her singularly inviting style, Cheng digs deep to engage fundamental questions that others might dismiss. She masterfully uncovers what’s simply profound in the profoundly simple and demonstrates how math can help us express the nuance and the richness of our world.”―
Francis Su, author of Mathematics for Human Flourishing

“In a delightfully accessible style, Eugenia Cheng invites us to move beyond the prototypical love-hate relationship with mathematics and embrace a unique appreciation of mathematics as tool for human flourishing. Escaping negative, socially engrained perspectives,
Is Math Real? invites us on a journey of discovery and illuminates a path to joyfully embracing the mathematician in all of us.”―Talithia Williams, author of Power in Numbers

“Cheng narrates in a gently instructive first-person voice, inviting readers back into the world of mathematics…Cheng’s affable style carries her central message through to the end.”―
Scientific American

About the Author

Eugenia Cheng is Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and honorary visiting fellow at City, University of London. She has authored numerous titles, including How to Bake Pi, Beyond Infinity, The Art of Logic, and x + y. Cheng lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (August 15, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541601823
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541601826
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 years and up
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.17 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

About the author

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Eugenia Cheng
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Dr Eugenia Cheng is a mathematician, educator, author, columnist, public speaker, pianist, composer, artist.

She is Scientist In Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She won tenure in Pure Mathematics at the University of Sheffield, UK and is now Honorary Visiting Fellow at City, University of London. She has previously taught at the Universities of Cambridge, Chicago and Nice and holds a PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge.

Alongside her research in Category Theory and undergraduate teaching her aim is to rid the world of “math phobia”. Her first popular math book, "How to Bake Pi", was published by Profile (UK) and Basic Books (US) in 2015 to widespread acclaim including from the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American, and she was interviewed around the world including on the BBC, NPR and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Eugenia was an early pioneer of math on YouTube and her videos have been viewed around 15 million times to date. Her next popular math book, "Beyond Infinity" was published in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize 2017. Other popular math books include "The Art of Logic" (Profile/Basic 2018) and "X+Y: A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender" (Profile/Basic 2020). She also writes the Everyday Math column for the Wall Street Journal, and has completed mathematical art commissions for Hotel EMC2, 6018 North, the Lubeznik Center and the Cultural Center, Chicago. Eugenia is the founder of the Liederstube, an intimate oasis for art song based in Chicago, and has completed art song commissions for GRAMMY nominated soprano Laura Strickling, and the Lynx Amplify project.

Eugenia has written two children's books: "Molly and the Mathematical Mystery" (Templar/Candlewick 20201) and "Bake Infinite Pie with X+Y" (Little Brown Young Readers, 2022) and an accessible but rigorous introduction to her research field "The Joy of Abstraction: An Exploration of Math, Category Theory, and Life" (Cambridge University Press, 2022). Her next book is "Is Math Real? How Simple Questions Lead us to Mathematics' Deepest Truths" (Profile/Basic), out in 2023.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5
62 global ratings
A Mathematical Odyssey for Parents and Kids
5 Stars
A Mathematical Odyssey for Parents and Kids
I picked up this book primarily for my son, who is currently navigating the labyrinthine world of school math. He's the kind of kid who needs a 'why' before he dives into the 'how,' and I thought this book might offer some insights into the practical applications of math. Little did I know that this book would turn out to be a captivating journey for both of us.Engaging and AddictiveThe first thing that struck me about this book was how engrossing it was. I found myself as glued to its pages as I was when reading science fiction classics like Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series. The author has a knack for making complex mathematical concepts not just understandable but downright fascinating.Practical AdviceThe book is not just theoretical; it offers actionable advice for parents. It addresses the often monotonous and rote memorization part of math education and provides strategies to make the learning process more engaging and meaningful.Some Takeaways1. Math as Brain Exercise: The book likens doing math to exercising one's "brain muscle," a concept that resonated with my son. He enjoys physical exercises like pull-ups because he believes they make him better at his other interests like swimming and ninja activities. The book successfully draws a parallel here, making math more relatable for kids.2. Math as Accumulated Wisdom: The book underscores the idea that math is not just numbers and formulas; it's the accumulated knowledge passed down through generations of humans. Learning math is akin to standing on the shoulders of giants, benefiting from the discoveries and insights of those who came before us. This perspective adds a layer of profundity and significance to the subject, making it more appealing to learners.3. The Changing Landscape of Math: The book points out that the algorithmic or "vertical math" that was the focus when I was in school is not as relevant today. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas.4. Flexibility and Rigidity in Math: One of the most enlightening sections of the book discusses how math is both flexible and rigid. Kids are not born with the conventional wisdom of 1+1 always equaling 2 for good reason. Because in the real world in different contexts 1+1 do not equal to 2. It is important to encourage kids to think freely and understand why it equals 2 in the context of a math classroom.This book is a treasure trove of wisdom not just for children but also for adults. It has changed the way I look at math and given me valuable tools to help my son on his mathematical journey. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or anyone interested in understanding the real-world applications of math, this book is a must-read.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
I picked up this book primarily for my son, who is currently navigating the labyrinthine world of school math. He's the kind of kid who needs a 'why' before he dives into the 'how,' and I thought this book might offer some insights into the practical applications of math. Little did I know that this book would turn out to be a captivating journey for both of us.

Engaging and Addictive
The first thing that struck me about this book was how engrossing it was. I found myself as glued to its pages as I was when reading science fiction classics like Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series. The author has a knack for making complex mathematical concepts not just understandable but downright fascinating.

Practical Advice
The book is not just theoretical; it offers actionable advice for parents. It addresses the often monotonous and rote memorization part of math education and provides strategies to make the learning process more engaging and meaningful.

Some Takeaways
1. Math as Brain Exercise: The book likens doing math to exercising one's "brain muscle," a concept that resonated with my son. He enjoys physical exercises like pull-ups because he believes they make him better at his other interests like swimming and ninja activities. The book successfully draws a parallel here, making math more relatable for kids.
2. Math as Accumulated Wisdom: The book underscores the idea that math is not just numbers and formulas; it's the accumulated knowledge passed down through generations of humans. Learning math is akin to standing on the shoulders of giants, benefiting from the discoveries and insights of those who came before us. This perspective adds a layer of profundity and significance to the subject, making it more appealing to learners.
3. The Changing Landscape of Math: The book points out that the algorithmic or "vertical math" that was the focus when I was in school is not as relevant today. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas.
4. Flexibility and Rigidity in Math: One of the most enlightening sections of the book discusses how math is both flexible and rigid. Kids are not born with the conventional wisdom of 1+1 always equaling 2 for good reason. Because in the real world in different contexts 1+1 do not equal to 2. It is important to encourage kids to think freely and understand why it equals 2 in the context of a math classroom.

This book is a treasure trove of wisdom not just for children but also for adults. It has changed the way I look at math and given me valuable tools to help my son on his mathematical journey. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or anyone interested in understanding the real-world applications of math, this book is a must-read.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars A Mathematical Odyssey for Parents and Kids
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
I picked up this book primarily for my son, who is currently navigating the labyrinthine world of school math. He's the kind of kid who needs a 'why' before he dives into the 'how,' and I thought this book might offer some insights into the practical applications of math. Little did I know that this book would turn out to be a captivating journey for both of us.

Engaging and Addictive
The first thing that struck me about this book was how engrossing it was. I found myself as glued to its pages as I was when reading science fiction classics like Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series. The author has a knack for making complex mathematical concepts not just understandable but downright fascinating.

Practical Advice
The book is not just theoretical; it offers actionable advice for parents. It addresses the often monotonous and rote memorization part of math education and provides strategies to make the learning process more engaging and meaningful.

Some Takeaways
1. Math as Brain Exercise: The book likens doing math to exercising one's "brain muscle," a concept that resonated with my son. He enjoys physical exercises like pull-ups because he believes they make him better at his other interests like swimming and ninja activities. The book successfully draws a parallel here, making math more relatable for kids.
2. Math as Accumulated Wisdom: The book underscores the idea that math is not just numbers and formulas; it's the accumulated knowledge passed down through generations of humans. Learning math is akin to standing on the shoulders of giants, benefiting from the discoveries and insights of those who came before us. This perspective adds a layer of profundity and significance to the subject, making it more appealing to learners.
3. The Changing Landscape of Math: The book points out that the algorithmic or "vertical math" that was the focus when I was in school is not as relevant today. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas.
4. Flexibility and Rigidity in Math: One of the most enlightening sections of the book discusses how math is both flexible and rigid. Kids are not born with the conventional wisdom of 1+1 always equaling 2 for good reason. Because in the real world in different contexts 1+1 do not equal to 2. It is important to encourage kids to think freely and understand why it equals 2 in the context of a math classroom.

This book is a treasure trove of wisdom not just for children but also for adults. It has changed the way I look at math and given me valuable tools to help my son on his mathematical journey. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or anyone interested in understanding the real-world applications of math, this book is a must-read.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2023
“Is Math Real?” makes the case for the study of abstract math and demystifies it (as much as it can, anyway). It critiques the math education status quo and explicitly argues against the importance of real world applications as part of that process. The author argues for using math as a way to sharpen our intellectual “core muscles”; the point of learning trigonometry or algebra is not just to calculate angles and solve equations, but to build logical frameworks and work inside them. She laments a focus on producing correct answers quickly, at the expense of the open questioning process that is critical for mathematical research. She reinforces this by poking at declared truths, demonstrating situations where 1+1 doesn’t equal 2, or walking through the logic of why 1 is not a prime number. She points out the paradox of how an “obvious” truth often means something that is “so clearly true that I can’t explain it”. She discusses the value of rigorously proving something over merely observing a likely pattern.

The author’s style relies heavily on digressions, making analogies to cooking, social behavior, and cultural forces. She explicitly calls out the gatekeeping of traditional white European male control of academic math, and the way that diminishes other cultures' mathematical traditions. These asides can be jarring; one page you are stepping through a logical derivation and the next you are considering the extent to which medieval African mathematicians were erased from history. I don’t have one single opinion on these. Sometimes I found them interesting, other times distracting. They varied in depth and sometimes felt incomplete.They serve to reinforce the idea that math is not monolithic, but I don’t think they were always effective. They do make the book feel very human.

Math is not concrete, and “Is Math Real?” celebrates this as its great strength. I don’t know that this book will convince many math skeptics, but it may present a new perspective for them.

3.5 stars
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Valley girl
5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting look at Mathematics and how itis viewed by so many as an impossible subject to master
Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2024
Used this book for general interest.