## Beautiful Map of Mathematics

This is a really beautiful Map of Mathematics (Mathematistan, a pun on Mathematics and Afghanistan), where one can see all the various branches of Maths, and how they combine together.

I also learnt a new word: Califate, which means an Islamic state led by a supreme religious and political leader known as a caliph – i.e. “successor” – to Muhammad.

Featured book:

Guide to LaTeX (4th Edition)

Published Nov 25, 2003 by Addison-Wesley Professional. Part of the Tools and Techniques for Computer Typesetting series. The series editor may be contacted at frank.mittelbach@latex-project.org. LaTeX is the text-preparation system of choice for scientists and academics, and is especially useful for typesetting technical materials. This popular book shows you how to begin using LaTeX to create high-quality documents. The book also serves as a handy reference for all LaTeX users. In this completely revised edition, the authors cover the LaTeX2ε standard and offer more details, examples, exercises, tips, and tricks. They go beyond the core installation to describe the key contributed packages that have become essential to LaTeX processing.

Inside, you will find:

• Complete coverage of LaTeX fundamentals, including how to input text, symbols, and mathematics; how to produce lists and tables; how to include graphics and color; and how to organize and customize documents
• Discussion of more advanced concepts such as bibliographical databases and BIBTeX, math extensions with AMS-LaTeX, drawing, slides, and letters
• Helpful appendices on installation, error messages, creating packages, using LaTeX with HTML and XML, and fonts
• An extensive alphabetized listing of commands and their uses

New to this edition:

• More emphasis on LaTeX as a markup language that separates content and form–consistent with the essence of XML
• Detailed discussions of contributed packages alongside relevant standard topics
• In-depth information on PDF output, including extensive coverage of how to use the hyperref package to create links, bookmarks, and active buttons

As did the three best-selling editions that preceded it, Guide to LaTeX, Fourth Edition, will prove indispensable to anyone wishing to gain the benefits of LaTeX.

The accompanying CD-ROM is part of the TeX Live set distributed by TeX Users Groups, containing a full LaTeX installation for Windows, MacOSX, and Linux, as well as many extensions, including those discussed in the book.

## The important thing is to keep thinking

This is a really inspirational story to me. “The important thing is to keep thinking.”

Source: http://www.reigndesign.com/blog/doing-it-with-twins-the-twin-prime-conjecture/

Now, I want you to imagine for a moment that you live in the United States, to be exact: New Hampshire. You’re a recruiter at the University of New Hampshireand your job is to hire the best people to become professors and lecturers.

Now suppose one day you get an application from this guy, Zhang Yitang, a 50-something mathematician. Since getting his PhD from Purdue, he’s struggled to find an academic job, working as a motel clerk and a Subway sandwich maker. I wouldn’t blame you if you passed over him.

It turns out if you had skipped Zhang Yitang, you’d have been making a big mistake, because a few weeks ago this 57-year old Chinese mathematician made headlines around the world when he proved a result in number theory which has been challenging mathematicians for years.

Featured book:

The Freakonomics of matha math-world superstar unveils the hidden beauty and logic of the world and puts its power in our hands

The math we learn in school can seem like a dull set of rules, laid down by the ancients and not to be questioned. In How Not to Be Wrong, Jordan Ellenberg shows us how terribly limiting this view is: Math isn’t confined to abstract incidents that never occur in real life, but rather touches everything we do–the whole world is shot through with it.

Math allows us to see the hidden structures underneath the messy and chaotic surface of our world. It’s a science of not being wrong, hammered out by centuries of hard work and argument. Armed with the tools of mathematics, we can see through to the true meaning of information we take for granted: How early should you get to the airport? What does “public opinion” really represent? Why do tall parents have shorter children? Who really won Florida in 2000? And how likely are you, really, to develop cancer?

How Not to Be Wrong presents the surprising revelations behind all of these questions and many more, using the mathematician’s method of analyzing life and exposing the hard-won insights of the academic community to the layman–minus the jargon. Ellenberg chases mathematical threads through a vast range of time and space, from the everyday to the cosmic, encountering, among other things, baseball, Reaganomics, daring lottery schemes, Voltaire, the replicability crisis in psychology, Italian Renaissance painting, artificial languages, the development of non-Euclidean geometry, the coming obesity apocalypse, Antonin Scalia’s views on crime and punishment, the psychology of slime molds, what Facebook can and can’t figure out about you, and the existence of God.

Ellenberg pulls from history as well as from the latest theoretical developments to provide those not trained in math with the knowledge they need. Math, as Ellenberg says, is “an atomic-powered prosthesis that you attach to your common sense, vastly multiplying its reach and strength.” With the tools of mathematics in hand, you can understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. How Not to Be Wrong will show you how.

## The Three Square Geometry Problem – Numberphile

Watch this interesting video about the “Three Square Geometry Problem”!

Theoretically, a fifth-grader or P5/PSLE student can solve it! The featured solution is truly brilliant and requires one to “think out of the box”.

Featured book:

Tutor in a Book’s Geometry

Need help with Geometry? Designed to replicate the services of a skilled private tutor, the new and improved Tutor in a Book’s Geometry is at your service! TIB’s Geometry is an extremely thorough, teen tested and effective geometry tutorial.

TIB’s Geometry includes more than 500 of the right, well-illustrated, carefully worked out and explained proofs and problems. Throughout TIB’s Geometry, there is ongoing, specific guidance as to the most effective solution and test taking strategies. Recurring patterns, which provide solutions to proofs, are pointed out, explained and illustrated using the visual aids that students find so helpful. Also included are dozens of graphic organizers, which help students understand, remember and recognize the connections between concepts.

TIB’s author Jo Greig intended this book to level the playing field between the students who have tutors and those that don’t. As a long time, very successful private mathematics tutor and teacher, Jo Greig knew exactly how best to accomplish this! TIB’s Geometry 294 pages are packed with every explanation, drawing, hint and memory tool possible! Not only does it have examples of the right proofs and problems, it also manages to impart every bit of the enthusiasm that great tutors impart to their private tutoring students. Ms. Greig holds a bachelors’ degree in mathematics. Dr. J. Shiletto, the book’s mathematics editor, holds a Ph.D in mathematics.

## Challenging O Level Trigonometry Question (A Maths)

Given that $\sin x+\sin y=a$ and $\cos x+\cos y=a$, where $a\neq 0$, express $\sin x+\cos x$ in terms of $a$.

This is a rather challenging question, since there are many options to start. Which formula(s) should we use? Factor formula? R-formula? Give it a try first if you want to have a challenge.

Solution:

It turns out we can write:

$\sin y=a-\sin x$

#### $\cos y=a-\cos x$

Then, use $\sin^2 y+\cos ^2 y=1$

$(a-\sin x)^2+(a-\cos x)^2=1$

Expanding,

$a^2-2a\sin x+\sin^2 x+a^2-2a\cos x+\cos^2 x=1$

Rearranging,

$2a^2-2a(\sin x+\cos x)+1=1$

$2a(a-(\sin x+\cos x))=0$

Since $a\neq 0$, we have $a-(\sin x+\cos x)=0$.

Thus, $\boxed{\sin x+\cos x=a}$.

#### Tough Test Questions? Missed Lectures? Not Enough Time?

Fortunately, there’s Schaum’s. This all-in-one-package includes more than 600 fully solved problems, examples, and practice exercises to sharpen your problem-solving skills. Plus, you will have access to 20 detailed videos featuring Math instructors who explain how to solve the most commonly tested problems–it’s just like having your own virtual tutor! You’ll find everything you need to build confidence, skills, and knowledge for the highest score possible.

More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum’s to help them succeed in the classroom and on exams. Schaum’s is the key to faster learning and higher grades in every subject. Each Outline presents all the essential course information in an easy-to-follow, topic-by-topic format. You also get hundreds of examples, solved problems, and practice exercises to test your skills.

This Schaum’s Outline gives you

• 618 fully solved problems to reinforce knowledge
• Concise explanations of all trigonometry concepts
• Updates that reflect the latest course scope and sequences, with coverage of periodic functions and curve graphing.

Fully compatible with your classroom text, Schaum’s highlights all the important facts you need to know. Use Schaum’s to shorten your study time–and get your best test scores!

Schaum’s Outlines–Problem Solved.

## Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet: Educational Review

As an Amazon Affiliate, Mathtuition88 is proud to introduce the Fire HD Kids Edition:

## From search engines to big data and cloud services, math plays a key role in IT applications. Read on to know more about the opportunities math has to offer.

In this increasingly digital world, mathematics is everywhere. It is wise to keep track of the myriad opportunities that would be laid open by mathematics education.

The advancement and perfection of mathematics are intimately connected with the prosperity of the state,” said Napolean Bonaparte. While there may be several opinions regarding Napolean as a leader, this statement holds indisputably true even today.

Featured book:

The Princeton Companion to Mathematics

## [News] NUS makes it easier for students in three faculties to qualify for honours

More than 80 or 90 per cent of students on four-year direct honours programmes at publicly-funded universities here graduate with honours or the equivalent. But only 60 per cent of those in the three-year arts and social sciences, business and science degree courses at the National University of Singapore (NUS) qualify for the fourth year of study, which allows them to graduate with honours.

To close the gap, NUS is lowering the grade to qualify for the honours year in these three schools, which are among the larger faculties in the university and take in some 3,600 students a year. This means another 10 to 15 per cent – 400 to 500 students- from these three faculties can move on to the fourth year to study for their honours.

Previously, students in the three faculties require a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 3.5 and above to qualify for honours study. With the change, they need only 3.2. NUS, though, will stick to its policy of keeping the the three plus one structure. Students who fail to notch up a score of at least 3.2 will have to exit the course.

NUS Provost Tan Eng Chye said the university decided to lower the requirement as the quality of students has gone up over the years. Students need As and Bs to enter most of the courses now. Last year, for example, students needed a ABB to enter the arts and social sciences course and those entering business needed triple As.

Source: NUS makes it easier for students in three faculties to qualify for honours

## On time management

Terence Tao (Famous Mathematician and Field’s Medalist) on advice on time management. Suitable for students too!

Featured book:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

With more than five million copies in print all around the world, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is the ultimate teenage success guide—now updated for the digital age.

That’s what Sean Covey’s landmark book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, has been to millions of teens: a handbook to self-esteem and success. Now updated for the digital age, this classic book applies the timeless principles of the 7 Habits to the tough issues and life-changing decisions teens face. In an entertaining style, Covey provides a simple approach to help teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, and get along with their parents, as well as tackle the new challenges of our time, like cyberbullying and social media. In addition, this book is stuffed with cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world.

An indispensable book for teens, as well as parents, teachers, counselors, or any adult who works with teens, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenshas become the last word on surviving and thriving as a teen and beyond.

“If The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens doesn’t help you, then you must have a perfect life already.”–Jordan McLaughlin, Age 17

I can…

View original post 1,949 more words

## Mini-monomath

Excellent and educational post by famous Mathematician Timothy Gowers on how to solve Math (Olympiad) problems.

Many students often give up immediately when facing a difficult maths problem. However, if students persist on for some time, usually they can come up with a solution or at least an idea on how to solve the problem. That is a great achievement already!

Quote: What I wrote gives some kind of illustration of the twists and turns, many of them fruitless, that people typically take when solving a problem. If I were to draw a moral from it, it would be this: when trying to solve a problem, it is a mistake to expect to take a direct route to the solution. Instead, one formulates subquestions and gradually builds up a useful bank of observations until the direct route becomes clear. Given that we’ve just had the football world cup, I’ll draw an analogy that I find not too bad (though not perfect either): a team plays better if it patiently builds up to an attack on goal than if it hoofs the ball up the pitch or takes shots from a distance. Germany gave an extraordinary illustration of this in their 7-1 defeat of Brazil.

Featured book (by Timothy Gowers):

This is a one-of-a-kind reference for anyone with a serious interest in mathematics. Edited by Timothy Gowers, a recipient of the Fields Medal, it presents nearly two hundred entries, written especially for this book by some of the world’s leading mathematicians, that introduce basic mathematical tools and vocabulary; trace the development of modern mathematics; explain essential terms and concepts; examine core ideas in major areas of mathematics; describe the achievements of scores of famous mathematicians; explore the impact of mathematics on other disciplines such as biology, finance, and music–and much, much more.

Unparalleled in its depth of coverage, The Princeton Companion to Mathematics surveys the most active and exciting branches of pure mathematics, providing the context and broad perspective that are vital at a time of increasing specialization in the field. Packed with information and presented in an accessible style, this is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics as well as for researchers and scholars seeking to understand areas outside their specialties.

• Features nearly 200 entries, organized thematically and written by an international team of distinguished contributors
• Presents major ideas and branches of pure mathematics in a clear, accessible style
• Defines and explains important mathematical concepts, methods, theorems, and open problems
• Introduces the language of mathematics and the goals of mathematical research
• Covers number theory, algebra, analysis, geometry, logic, probability, and more
• Traces the history and development of modern mathematics
• Profiles more than ninety-five mathematicians who influenced those working today
• Explores the influence of mathematics on other disciplines
• Includes bibliographies, cross-references, and a comprehensive index

Contributors incude:

Graham Allan, Noga Alon, George Andrews, Tom Archibald, Sir Michael Atiyah, David Aubin, Joan Bagaria, Keith Ball, June Barrow-Green, Alan Beardon, David D. Ben-Zvi, Vitaly Bergelson, Nicholas Bingham, Béla Bollobás, Henk Bos, Bodil Branner, Martin R. Bridson, John P. Burgess, Kevin Buzzard, Peter J. Cameron, Jean-Luc Chabert, Eugenia Cheng, Clifford C. Cocks, Alain Connes, Leo Corry, Wolfgang Coy, Tony Crilly, Serafina Cuomo, Mihalis Dafermos, Partha Dasgupta, Ingrid Daubechies, Joseph W. Dauben, John W. Dawson Jr., Francois de Gandt, Persi Diaconis, Jordan S. Ellenberg, Lawrence C. Evans, Florence Fasanelli, Anita Burdman Feferman, Solomon Feferman, Charles Fefferman, Della Fenster, José Ferreirós, David Fisher, Terry Gannon, A. Gardiner, Charles C. Gillispie, Oded Goldreich, Catherine Goldstein, Fernando Q. Gouvêa, Timothy Gowers, Andrew Granville, Ivor Grattan-Guinness, Jeremy Gray, Ben Green, Ian Grojnowski, Niccolò Guicciardini, Michael Harris, Ulf Hashagen, Nigel Higson, Andrew Hodges, F. E. A. Johnson, Mark Joshi, Kiran S. Kedlaya, Frank Kelly, Sergiu Klainerman, Jon Kleinberg, Israel Kleiner, Jacek Klinowski, Eberhard Knobloch, János Kollár, T. W. Körner, Michael Krivelevich, Peter D. Lax, Imre Leader, Jean-François Le Gall, W. B. R. Lickorish, Martin W. Liebeck, Jesper Lützen, Des MacHale, Alan L. Mackay, Shahn Majid, Lech Maligranda, David Marker, Jean Mawhin, Barry Mazur, Dusa McDuff, Colin McLarty, Bojan Mohar, Peter M. Neumann, Catherine Nolan, James Norris, Brian Osserman, Richard S. Palais, Marco Panza, Karen Hunger Parshall, Gabriel P. Paternain, Jeanne Peiffer, Carl Pomerance, Helmut Pulte, Bruce Reed, Michael C. Reed, Adrian Rice, Eleanor Robson, Igor Rodnianski, John Roe, Mark Ronan, Edward Sandifer, Tilman Sauer, Norbert Schappacher, Andrzej Schinzel, Erhard Scholz, Reinhard Siegmund-Schultze, Gordon Slade, David J. Spiegelhalter, Jacqueline Stedall, Arild Stubhaug, Madhu Sudan, Terence Tao, Jamie Tappenden, C. H. Taubes, Rüdiger Thiele, Burt Totaro, Lloyd N. Trefethen, Dirk van Dalen, Richard Weber, Dominic Welsh, Avi Wigderson, Herbert Wilf, David Wilkins, B. Yandell, Eric Zaslow, Doron Zeilberger

The title of this post is a nod to Terry Tao’s four mini-polymath discussions, in which IMO questions were solved collaboratively online. As the beginning of what I hope will be a long exercise in gathering data about how humans solve these kinds of problems, I decided to have a go at one of this year’s IMO problems, with the idea of writing down my thoughts as I went along. Because I was doing that (and doing it directly into a LaTeX file rather than using paper and pen), I took quite a long time to solve the problem: it was the first question, and therefore intended to be one of the easier ones, so in a competition one would hope to solve it quickly and move on to the more challenging questions 2 and 3 (particularly 3). You get an average of an hour and a half per…

View original post 1,613 more words

## Fundamental Theorem of Algebra – Numberphile

Professor David Eisenbud gives an excellent explanation of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra!

In high school, we learnt that some quadratic equations (e.g. $x^2+1=0$) do not have real roots. However, by the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, every polynomial equation of degree d has d complex roots! (counting multiplicity)

Featured book:

The Prince of Mathematics: Carl Friedrich Gauss

Learn about the boy who – could read and add numbers when he was three years old, – thwarted his teacher by finding a quick and easy way to sum the numbers 1-100, – attracted the attention of a Duke with his genius, and became the man who… – predicted the reappearance of a lost planet, – discovered basic properties of magnetic forces, – invented a surveying tool used by professionals until the invention of lasers. Based on extensive research of original and secondary sources, this historical narrative will inspire young readers and even curious adults with its touching story of personal achievement.

# Calculus Math Textbooks Review

Most students taking science related courses like Engineering or Physics need to study at least one semester of Calculus. Calculus can be a rather difficult subject, and having a good textbook to learn from is half the battle won! 🙂

We review 3 of the Top Calculus Textbooks on Amazon.com:

1)

The Larson CALCULUS program has a long history of innovation in the calculus market. It has been widely praised by a generation of students and professors for its solid and effective pedagogy that addresses the needs of a broad range of teaching and learning styles and environments. Each title is just one component in a comprehensive calculus course program that carefully integrates and coordinates print, media, and technology products for successful teaching and learning.

This book by Michael Spivak is strongly recommended for Math Majors, or for students interested in learning the theory behind calculus. Includes the theory of epsilon-delta analysis.

3)

Thomas’ Calculus (13th Edition)
Thomas’ Calculus, Thirteenth Edition, introduces readers to the intrinsic beauty of calculus and the power of its applications. For more than half a century, this text has been revered for its clear and precise explanations, thoughtfully chosen examples, superior figures, and time-tested exercise sets. With this new edition, the exercises were refined, updated, and expanded–always with the goal of developing technical competence while furthering readers’ appreciation of the subject. Co-authors Hass and Weir have made it their passion to improve the text in keeping with the shifts in both the preparation and ambitions of today’s learners.

This text is designed for a three-semester or four-quarter calculus course (math, engineering, and science majors).

Featured Promotion:

## A Maths List of Formula to Remember

Are you looking for a list of Additional Mathematics (A Maths) Formulas to remember?

Check it out at: https://mathtuition88.com/math-notes-worksheets-sale/

Updated to include: Supplementary Angles, Complementary Angles, and Half Angle Formulas for Trigonometry

Remember, memorizing the formula is not enough. We need to know how to apply and use the formula! (The next level is to know how to derive the formulas, but that will not be tested in the exams. 🙂 )

Do you really really hate Math? Is it your most dreaded subject?

Why not learn to love Math as it is pretty much a compulsory subject until high school? Read this book, it may change your mindset about Math. From a well-known actress, math genius and popular contestant on “Dancing With The Stars”—a groundbreaking guide to mathematics for middle school girls, their parents, and educators

## Disclaimer: We are not related to mathstuition88.com

Recently, it has come to attention that there is another website (mathstuition88.com). (Note the letter ‘s’.)

We would like to reiterate that we are not related, affiliated, or associated in any way to that website.

Our official website (https://mathtuition88.com/) is registered with WordPress.com, and is created by founder Mr Wu.

Our website is also officially ranked on Teach 100, a Daily Ranking of Education Blogs.

## Mathematics Memes and Cartoons

Source: http://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/item/37443-career-memes-of-the-week-m/

This week’s career memes are an ode to mathematicians, the numerical wizards who use their knowledge to solve practical problems in disciplines such as business, commerce, technology, engineering and the sciences.

A mathematician’s job involves performing computations and analysing and interpreting data, reporting conclusions from a data analysis and using those findings to support or improve business decisions, and developing mathematical or statistical models to analyse data.

Many mathematicians work for governments or for private scientific and R&D companies.

Check out June’s Math Olympiad Number Theory Problem (from Bilkent University):

Find all triples of positive integers (a, b, c) satisfying $(a^3+ b)(b^3 + a) = 2^c$.

Give it a try, and then click on the solution to check your answer!

This challenging problem book by renowned US Olympiad coaches, mathematics teachers, and researchers develops a multitude of problem-solving skills needed to excel in mathematical contests and in mathematical research in number theory. Offering inspiration and intellectual delight, the problems throughout the book encourage students to express their ideas in writing to explain how they conceive problems, what conjectures they make, and what conclusions they reach. Applying specific techniques and strategies, readers will acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and ideas of number theory.

## Welcome to the Teach100 community!

Recently, I added the Maths Blog to the Teach100 website. Glad to know that the blog has been approved!

“Thank you for submitting Singapore Maths Tuition to the Teach100! Your blog has been approved and is currently ranked at #427 of 601 blogs. Congratulations! We recently reached our 500th blog, and are excited to add your blog to our growing community!”

http://teach.com/teach100/blogs/718-Singapore-Maths-Tuition

## A Mathematician’s Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form

A Mathematician’s Lament is a short book on the pedagogics and philosophy of mathematics by Paul Lockhart, originally a research mathematician but for many years a math teacher at a private school. Characterised as a strongly worded opinion piece arguing for an intuitive and heuristic approach to teaching and the importance of mathematics teaching reforms, the book frames learning mathematics as an artistic and imaginative pursuit which is not reflected at all in the way the subject is taught in the American educational system.

The book was developed from a 25-page essay that was written in 2002, originally circulated in typewritten manuscript copies, and subsequently on the Internet.

# Compound Interest

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.” – Albert Einstein

The formula for Compound interest is:

Total Amount = $\displaystyle\boxed{P(1+\frac{i}{100})^n}$

Where P=Principal amount (starting amount of money)

i = interest rate (in percent)

n = number of times compounded

We will illustrate this using an example:

## Compound Interest Example Question

Source: Admiralty Secondary School Preliminary Examination 2011 Paper 2

Q: The cash price of a sports car is $420,000. Mr Lionel buys it on compound interest loan terms. He pays a down payment of$300,000 and the balance at the end of 5 years with a compound interest rate of 5% per annum. Calculate the amount that Mr Lionel has to pay at the end of 5 years.

Solution:

Firstly, we have to find out what is the balance. The balance would be $420,000-$300,000=$120,000. That is the Principal amount, i.e. P=120,000. The interest rate, i=5. n=5 since the number of times compounded is 5 (once each year). Hence, Total Amount = $\displaystyle\boxed{P(1+\frac{i}{100})^n=120000(1+\frac{5}{100})^5=153153.79}$ In conclusion, he has to pay$153153.79 at the end of 5 years.

## How is Compound Interest the Eighth Wonder of the World?

Imagine you have an amount of $1000. (P=1000) And you manage to find a bank that pays 10% compound interest per annum. (i=10) What happens after 50 years? (n=50) Using the formula, Total Amount = $\displaystyle\boxed{P(1+\frac{i}{100})^n=1000(1+\frac{10}{100})^{50}=117390.85}$ The amount would become around$117,000! Isn’t it amazing? This is why Maths is useful and fun.

Check out our Cool Math page for more Math fun facts!

## Maths Challenge

Hi, do feel free to try out our Maths Challenge (Secondary 4 / age 16 difficulty):

Source: Anderson E Maths Prelim 2011

If you have solved the problem, please email your solution to mathtuition88@gmail.com .

(Include your name and school if you wish to be listed in the hall of fame below.)

Students who answer correctly (with workings) will be listed in the hall of fame. 🙂

# Hall of Fame (Correct Solutions):

1) Ex Moe Sec Sch Maths teacher Mr Paul Siew

2) Queenstown Secondary School, Maths teacher Mr Desmond Tay

3) Tay Yong Qiang (Waiting to enter University)

# On the road to make math fun

MITA MUKHERJEE
 Madanlal Baldevraj Ghai during the city leg of his tour. Picture by Sayantan Ghosh

An army major who quit to become a mathematics teacher has embarked on a self-funded tour of the country to promote the subject.

Madanlal Baldevraj Ghai, 70, stayed in a dormitory at Howrah station to keep costs down during the three days he spent in Calcutta recently, meeting officials of the primary and secondary board and the school education department to offer suggestions on how to make the study of mathematics more interesting.

“India has produced brilliant mathematicians not just in the Vedic and medieval ages but also in modern times. Unfortunately, for quite a few years, not many students have been pursuing the subject at the higher level, which has resulted in a decline in the number of top-quality mathematicians,” the former teacher at PMN College in Rajpura, Punjab, told Metro.

“We, the elderly mathematics teachers, need to reach out to students and guardians in every corner of the country to dispel the misconception that mathematics is dry and boring,” added Ghai, who has an MPhil in the subject and is pursuing his PhD at Punjabi University, Patiala.

His 50-day tour was also prompted by the Prime Minister declaring 2012 as the year of mathematics as a tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan, the autodidact mathematician who died in 1920 at the age of 32.

## Mr Heng, however, noted that how well a child does in school depends on how motivated he is.

Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat has said parents should consider other factors apart from a school’s previous year cut-off point (COP) when helping their P6 children decide on which secondary school to choose.

Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat (Photo: MOE)

SINGAPORE: Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat has said parents should consider other factors apart from a school’s previous year cut-off point (COP) when helping their P6 children decide on which secondary school to choose.

Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Heng said it would be good for parents to have an open talk with their children to know what type of secondary school they are interested in.

Mr Heng, however, noted that how well a child does in school depends on how motivated he is.

So he encourages parents to carefully consider the kind of environment that will best motivate their children, and enable them to develop themselves fully in the next four to five years.

Some children, he said, are late developers and the right environment helps them thrive.

Mr Heng urged parents to think of how best they can help their children develop confidence and enjoy the space to discover his talents and passions.

## Recommended Maths Olympiad Books for Self Learning / Domain Test

Math Olympiad Books are useful for GEP/DSA preparation. It is also useful for the latest type of test called Domain Tests, which is basically a subject test (Math included) for entry into top secondary schools like the Raffles / Hwa Chong family. There are different subject domains (depending on the school), ranging from General domain / Academic domain / CCA domain.

The Art of Problem Solving, Vol. 1: The Basics

The first book is written by Professor Derek Holton. Prof Holton writes a nice column for a Math magazine, which gives out books as prizes to correct solutions.