Living Mathematics. A Trainer for the Mind

Yakob Isidorovich Perelman — a Russian and Soviet educator, the founder of the genre of «entertaining science». He invented a special way to talk about science in an engaging manner — and turned it into witty, useful manuals. This book shows that mathematics surrounds us everywhere and helps us in the most unexpected situations. In the format of lively stories and tricky puzzles, Y. Perelman answers all the questions of interest to readers: • How to determine the size of any object with a ruler? • Can the amount of precipitation be measured with a simple bucket? • How to avoid an unfavorable offer and calculate deception? Understanding requires only elementary arithmetic and basic knowledge of geometry. The book is intended for middle school students, youth, and all adults who want to spend their free time usefully and interestingly. Mathematics is closer than you think. Just start noticing it.