Geekspeak

September 29, 2008
The best kept secret in math is how much one can accomplish through estimation and educated guessing: it's possible to take what one knows in general, apply that to an amazing range of problems in daily life, and obtain surprisingly workable solutions to questions like "What are the best words to use in a personal ad?" or "How many flies would it take to pull a car?" In this friendly primer, UK "freelance engineer" Tattersall guides readers through 26 "problems" meant to demonstrate how anyone can benefit from some armchair arithmetic. Like all problem solvers, Tattersall doesn't leave his brain at the office, but uses "short cut" techniques constantly; in short chapters, he describes his process by tackling a different question with a number of methods, as well as practical applications for the solution (say, an estimation of the human brain's processing speed). Though he gilds the lily of mathematical practicality, Tatterall's welcoming attitude, solid principles and intriguing examples should stick with the logically or mathematically inclined. B&w illus.