But Why?

About the Book

Have you ever wondered why we do certain things in mathematics? Why do we count decimal points when multiplying with decimals or why do we “invert and multiply” when multiplying with fractions? Or, were you frustrated when you asked for a reason why we convert mixed numbers to improper fractions that way, and the teacher simply said, “That is the way I learned how.”? This book attempts to answer these questions along with dozens more. If you have ever wondered why we do something in mathematics, this is the book for you. Here are a few of the mysteries that are “unraveled” in this book: What can’t we divide by zero? Why do we move the decimal point when dividing by a decimal? Why is a “negative times a negative a positive?” Why is any number raised to the zero power equal to zero?

About the Author

Sean A. Monroe is not you typical mathematician. He struggled in mathematics through his elementary and high school years and even into college. His love for math birthed when he was asked to teach his least favorite topic, Geometry, as a first-year teacher. He is now well know as “Mr. Math” and even holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from California State University at Long Beach. Sean is the father of four wonderful children and is married to his best friend.