How Math Can Save Your Life: (And Make You Rich, Help You Find The One, and Avert Catastrophes)

Taking his lead from Freakonomics, mathematics professor Stein examines everyday, occasional, and inevitable life problems—what′s the financial benefit of a college degree over a lifetime? Is gambling more cost–efficient entertainment than a first–run movie? How much money does a hybrid car actually save?—through the lens of arithmetic, with enlightening, and sometimes surprising, results. Addressing topics like genetics, statistics, and economics with practical knowledge sure to heighten math literacy—and the appreciation for it—Stein illustrates concepts like game theory by analyzing the benefit–to–risk ratio of his father′s surgery, buying flowers for a significant other, and football plays. Stein offers numerous suggestions for improving mathematics education and for making mental math easier, as well as for handling more immediate concerns like refinancing the house (will it actually save you money?), studying for tests (how effective is guessing on a multiple–choice quiz?) and finding love (“The original title for this book, suggested by my editor, was How Math Can Get You Laid”). With a sure grasp of the material and a game sense of humor, Stein′s text should interest a broad audience of intellectually curious readers, including any fan of practical cultural analysis ala Malcolm Gladwell. (Mar.) (Publishers Weekly.com, February 8, 2010)