A lighthearted tour through 49 of the most interesting and useful mathematical formulas ever derived Now in paperback, this whimsical book reacquaints the reader with the pleasure of playing with numbers. Both entertaining and practical, it reaches a level of sophistication consistently high enough to make intelligent people think, but never aims so high that it is difficult to follow. Accompanying the formulas are over 70 amusing cartoons and diverting stories that point up how everyday events can lead to fundamental mathematical insights. * Features 49 short, inviting chapters, written in simple, clear language * Proves that math is fun, functional and accessible--not an arcane subject reserved for specialists LIONEL SALEM (Paris, France) is an internationally renowned theoretical chemist at the University of Paris, and has an appointment to the world famous French National Research Center. FREDERIC TESTARD (Nice, France) is a mathematician at the University of Nice. CORALIE SALEM (Paris, France) is an artist/illustrator who provided the book's graphics.