Becoming a Mental Math Wizard

This book should be in every school library.I tutor mathematics on the side, and there is great joy in seeing the facial expressions of students go from absolute misery to joy. I am a very strong believer in math tricks.First, they are fun and magical. Second, they build confidence and curiosity to learn what is behind the magic. And, third, it has much to do with "thinking outside the box". And, contrary to the old stodgy idiots who cannot think out of the box and want to make sure nobody else does either, I think it is time to give students the opportunity to learn and have fun doing so for a change. (Sorry if I offended anyone. On second thought, no, I'm not sorry. Those people deserve to be offended.)One thing about this book, though, is that it takes a little to digest what is there. Many of the skills there take much practice. There are a few similar books, but I have also considered writing a book that might take various math tricks and bring them out a little more slowly with a little more attention to each one with practice problems, etc.Thank you so much, Jerry Lucas, wherever you are, for having the wisdom, courage, and love for others to bless others with this book!!!

This book would be great for gifted junior high and high schoolers, and smart, interested math-savvy adults. It is not for the faint of heart.The calculations Lucas expects you to perform and remember are not easy. For example, he asks you to calculate the logarithm of, say, 17 (base 10) by applying a Taylor series approximation in your head. I've been able to do it, but not without a fair amount of practice. Mathematically gifted children will love it for stretching their abilities, but this 36-year-old loves it as a way to improve his calculating abilities, impress his nerdy friends, and improve his memory of numbers.