Is this the right book for me? An easy-to-follow guide to basic mathematics Do you shy away from using numbers? Basic Mathematics can help. An easy-to-follow guide, it will ensure you gain the confidence you need to tackle maths and overcome your fears. It offers simple explanations of all the key areas, including decimals, percentages, measurements and graphs, and applies them to everyday situations, games and puzzles to give you understanding quickly and enjoyably. Basic Mathematics includes: Chapter 1: Reasons to be cheerful about mathematics Is this book really for me? Can I succeed now if I failed at school? Hasn't maths changed since I was at school? Will it help to use a calculator? Can I help my child? Chapter 2: The magic numbers machine Numbers, numbers everywhere Saying hello to your calculator Introducing the counting numbers Ordering numbers Tens and units Hundreds, thousands and beyond Children and numbers Chapter 3: Calculating with numbers Properties of numbers Adding Subtracting Multiplying Dividing Knowing what sum to do Chapter 4: Fractions Facing up to fractions What is a fraction? How to picture a fraction Fitting fractions into the number line What are equivalent fractions? Adding and subtracting fractions Multiplying and dividing fractions Ratio and proportion Chapter 5: Decimals Decimal fractions What is the point of the decimal point? Using the four rules with decimals Dividing fractions An overview of decimals Chapter 6: Percentages What is a percentage? Changing a fraction to a percentage Why bother with percentages? Chapter 7: Measuring What do we measure? Why do we measure? How do we measure? How accurately should we measure? Imperial and metric units Chapter 8: Statistical graphs Barcharts and piecharts Scattergraphs and line graphs Misleading graphs Chapter 9: Using a formula Is algebra abstract and irrelevant? Algebra as shorthand Calculating with formulas Proving with algebra Chapter 10: Puzzles, games and diversions Chapter 11: Spreadsheets An overview of a spreadsheet Why bother using a spreadsheet? Using a spreadsheet Number sequences on a spreadsheet Percentages on a spreadsheet What else will a spreadsheet do? Chapter 12: Diagnostic quiz Quiz Solutions to the quiz Detailed comments on the solutions ...Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.