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Advanced mathematics

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Recommended Books

Here is a list of books that we would recommended for young people who are interested in mathematics. They are grouped into three different categories:

History of Mathematics

Recreational, thinking mathematically.

We have given each book a lower age band based on the content and language used in the book and have presented them in ascending order of age. This is merely a guideline and you are welcome to make your own judgements on whether or not a book is suitable.

If you'd like to see some book recommendations for younger learners, take a look at the list of books compiled by our Primary team .

Students considering studying Maths or a related subject at university might be interested in the Cambridge Mathematical Reading List , which contains a wide range of suggested books including historical, recreational and technical maths books.

There are lots of maths podcasts you can listen to. Why not try: BBC's More or Less podcast Numberphile 's videos and postcasts.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdős

Age 7+ Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it's true, many of them do. But Paul Erdős never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn't learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he traveled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications. With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made "Uncle Paul" a great man.

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci

best maths problem solving books

Infinity and Me

Uma can't help feeling small when she peers up at the night sky. She begins to wonder about infinity. Is infinity a number that grows forever? Is it an endless racetrack? Could infinity be in an ice cream cone? Uma soon finds that the ways to think about this big idea may just be . . . infinite.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

best maths problem solving books

Travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. Parents and children alike will appreciate this moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life.

50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know by Tony Crilly

In this book, Professor Tony Crilly explains in 50 clear and concise essays the mathematical concepts - ancient and modern, theoretical and practical, everyday and esoteric - that allow us to understand and shape the world around us. Packed with diagrams, examples and anecdotes, this book is the perfect overview of this often daunting but always essential subject. For once, mathematics couldn't be simpler.

The Math Book by Clifford A Pickover

Mathematic's infinite mysteries and beauty unfold in this book. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient ant odometers and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, prolific polymath Clifford Pickover covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous concepts readers will encounter as they dip into this inviting anthology: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect. Each topic is presented in a lavishly illustrated spread, including formulas, fascinating facts about scientists' lives and real-world applications of the theorems.

Alex's Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos

The world of maths can seem mind-boggling, irrelevant and, sometimes, boring. This groundbreaking book reclaims maths from the geeks. Mathematical ideas underpin just about everything in our lives: from the surprising geometry of the 50p piece to how probability can help you win in any casino. In search of weird and wonderful mathematical phenomena, Alex Bellos travels across the globe and meets the world's fastest mental calculators in Germany and a startlingly numerate chimpanzee in Japan. Packed with fascinating, eye-opening anecdotes, Alex's Adventures in Numberland is an exhilarating cocktail of history, reportage and mathematical proofs that will leave you awestruck.

The Monty Hall Problem: Beyond Closed Doors by Rob Deaves

This short book explores the Monty Hall dilemma, a well known mathematical puzzle. The original problem, the controversy surrounding it and its solution are discussed. Further, the boundaries of the problem are expanded to consider prior knowledge and host intention. This book should be of interest to those who enjoy problem solving.

The Language of Mathematics by Keith Devlin

In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognize and describe the hidden patterns of life. Devlin shows us what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, explains how we can see and hear a football game on TV, allows us to predict the weather, the behavior of the stock market, and the outcome of elections. Far from a dry and esoteric subject, mathematics is a rich and living part of our culture. An exploration of an often woefully misunderstood subject, this book celebrates the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.

The Music of the Primes by Marcus Du Sautoy

How can one predict when the next prime number will occur? Is there a formula which could generate primes? These apparently simple questions have confounded mathematicians ever since the Ancient Greeks. In 1859, the brilliant German mathematician Bernhard Riemann put forward a hypothesis which finally seemed to reveal a magical harmony at work in the numerical landscape. The promise that these eternal, unchanging numbers would finally reveal their secret thrilled mathematicians around the world. Yet Riemann never publicly provided a proof for his hypothesis and his housekeeper burned most of his personal papers on his death. Whoever cracks Riemann's hypothesis will go down in history, for it has implications far beyond mathematics. In business, it plays a central role in security and e-commerce. In science, it brings together vastly different areas, with critical ramifications in Quantum Mechanics, Chaos Theory and the future of computing. Pioneers in each of these fields are racing to crack the code and a prize of $1 million has been offered to the winner. As yet, it remains unsolved.

Journey Through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics by William Dunham

In this book Dunham treats mathematical theorems as creative works of art. He places each theorem within its historical context and explores the very human and often turbulent life of the creator. He studies such great mathematicians as Archimedes, Gerolamo Cardano and Georg Cantor. He also provides step-by-step proofs for the theorems, each easily accessible to readers with no more than a knowledge of high school mathematics.

The Mathematical Universe: Alphabetical Journey Through the Great Proofs, Problems & Personalities by William Dunham

In this book, Dunham takes us through a tantalizing selection of the great proofs, notorious disputes, and intriguing unsolved mysteries of the mathematical universe. Subjects range from the golden age of Greek geometry to the furthest frontier of infinite series. Dunham explores more than five thousand years of mathematical history, digging into the earliest records in Egypt, Babylon, India, and China, and turning up surprising tales and tidbits from modern times. All along the way, Dunham portrays the great masters of mathematics at their work. In colorful anecdotes, the brilliant - often eccentric - luminaries chart the course of mathematical progress. This book is accessible to any reader with a basic knowledge of algebra and geometry. You will come away from this exhilarating book with a keen sense of the power and splendor of the magical mathematical world.

Chaos by James Gleick

Chaos is what happens when the behaviour of a system gets too complicated to predict; the most familiar example is the weather, which apparently cannot be forecast accurately more than five days ahead. This book tells the story so far in the study of this new field of Physics.

Euclid's Window: The Story of Geometry from Parallel Lines to Hyperspace by Leonard Mlodinow

Anyone who thought geometry was boring or dry should prepare to be amazed. Despite its worthy cover this book is exactly what its title says - a story - and the plot of this story involves life, death and revolutions of understanding and belief. It stars the some of the most famous names in history, from Euclid who laid the logical foundations, to Albert Einstein, who united space and time in a single non-Euclidean geometry. It offers an alternative history of mathematics, revealing how simple questions anyone might ask about space - in the living room or in some other galaxy - have been the hidden engines of the highest achievements in science and technology.

Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers by Vicky Neale

Prime numbers have intrigued, inspired and infuriated mathematicians for millennia. Every school student studies prime numbers and can appreciate their beauty, and yet mathematicians' difficulty with answering some seemingly simple questions about them reveals the depth and subtlety of prime numbers. In this book, Vicky Neale charts the recent progress towards proving the famous Twin Primes Conjecture, and the very different ways in which the breakthroughs have been made: a solo mathematician working in isolation and obscurity, and a large collaboration that is more public than any previous collaborative effort in mathematics. Interleaved with this story are highlights from a significantly older tale, going back two thousand years and more, of mathematicians' efforts to comprehend the beauty and unlock the mysteries of the prime numbers.

Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh

The story of the solving of a puzzle that has confounded mathematicians since the 17th century. In 1963, a schoolboy browsing in his local library stumbled across the world's greatest mathematical problem: Fermat's Last Theorem, a puzzle that every child can understand but which has baffled mathematicians for over 300 years. Aged just ten, Andrew Wiles dreamed that he would crack it. Wiles's lifelong obsession with a seemingly simple challenge set by a long-dead Frenchman is an emotional tale of sacrifice and extraordinary determination. In the end, Wiles was forced to work in secrecy and isolation for seven years, harnessing all the power of modern maths to achieve his childhood dream. Many before him had tried and failed, including a 18-century philanderer who was killed in a duel. An 18-century Frenchwoman made a major breakthrough in solving the riddle, but she had to attend maths lectures at the Ecole Polytechnique disguised as a man since women were forbidden entry to the school.

The Code Book by Simon Singh

The Code Book is a history of man's urge to uncover the secrets of codes, from Egyptian puzzles to modern day computer encryptions. As in Fermat's Last Theorem, Simon Singh brings life to an astonishing story of puzzles, codes, languages and riddles that reveals man's continual pursuit to disguise and uncover, and to work out the secret languages of others. Codes have influenced events throughout history, both in the stories of those who make them and those who break them. The betrayal of Mary Queen of Scots and the cracking of the enigma code that helped the Allies in World War II are major episodes in a continuing history of cryptography. In addition to stories of intrigue and warfare, Simon Singh also investigates other codes, the unravelling of genes and the rediscovery of ancient languages and most tantalisingly, the Beale ciphers, an unbroken code that could hold the key to a 20 million dollar treasure.

The Penguin Dictionary of Curious and Interesting Numbers by David Wells

Look up 1729 to see why it is 'among the most famous of all numbers'. Look up 0.7404 ($= \frac{\pi}{18}$) to discover that this is the density of closely packed identical spheres in what is believed by many mathematicians (though it was at that time an unproven hypothesis) and is known by all physicists and greengrocers to be the optimal packing. Look up Graham's number (the last one in the book), which is inconceivably big: even written as a tower of powers ($9 ^{9^ {9 ^\cdots}}$) it would take up far more ink than could be made from all the atoms in the universe. It is an upper bound for a quantity in Ramsey theory whose actual value is believed to be about 6. A book to be dipped into at leisure.

best maths problem solving books

Calculus has a fierce reputation as complicated, abstract and difficult, but Steven Strogatz tells the true story of its beauty and simplicity. Starting with the Ancient Greeks, calculus has tantilised and fascinated humanity for millenia. Its applications grew from teaching us how to determine the area of a circle with only sand and a stick to safely launching rockets into space. Without it, we wouldn’t have mobile phones, TV, GPS, or ultrasound. This book explains the history of our relationship with calculus, and its relationship with infinity.

Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter

Douglas Hofstadter's book is concerned directly with the nature of maps or links between formal systems. However, according to Hofstadter, the formal system that underlies all mental activity transcends the system that supports it. If life can grow out of the formal chemical substrate of the cell, if consciousness can emerge out of a formal system of firing neurons, then so too will computers attain human intelligence. Gödel, Escher, Bach is a wonderful exploration of fascinating ideas at the heart of cognitive science: meaning, reduction, recursion, and much more.

The Great Mathematical Problems by Ian Stewart

There are some mathematical problems whose significance goes beyond the ordinary - like Fermat's Last Theorem or Goldbach's Conjecture - they are the enigmas which define mathematics. This book explains why these problems exist, why they matter, what drives mathematicians to incredible lengths to solve them and where they stand in the context of mathematics and science as a whole. It contains solved problems - like the Poincaré Conjecture, cracked by the eccentric genius Grigori Perelman, who refused academic honours and a million-dollar prize for his work, and problems which, like the Riemann Hypothesis, remain baffling after centuries. Stewart is the guide to this mysterious and exciting world, showing how modern mathematicians constantly rise to the challenges set by their predecessors, as the great mathematical problems of the past succumb to the new techniques and ideas of the present.

Can you Solve my Problems? by Alex Bellos

This book contains 125 of the world's best brainteasers from the last two millennia, taking us from ancient China to medieval Europe, Victorian England to modern-day Japan, with stories of espionage, mathematical breakthroughs and puzzling rivalries along the way. Some solutions rely on a touch of cunning, others call for creativity, others need mercilessly logical thought. All are guaranteed to sharpen your mind!

Snowflake Seashell Star by Alex Bellos and Edmund Harriss

This book is the first in a series of mathematical colouring books by Alex Bellos and mathematical artist, Edmund Hariss. It is full of intricate and divinely beautiful illustrations, using patterns such as loops, waves and spirals. Stretch your artistic talents and embrace mathematics' aesthetic and conceptual exquisiteness. In 80 glorious images, Alex will teach you how to convey the wonder of mathematics through colour and design. Snowflake, Seashell, Star is an incredible celebration of the overlaps between mathematics and art, learning and play, concentration and calm.

A Mathematical Pandora's Box by Brian Bolt

Through his own experience, Brian Bolt has discovered a worldwide interest in mathematical puzzles. Bolt not only uses them to stimulate creative thinking, but also to open up new areas of mathematics to the reader. This book contains 142 activities: in addition to puzzles, there are games, tricks, models and explanation of various phenomena. They range from number manipulation, through happy and amicable numbers, coin puzzles, picnicking bears and pentominoes, to building shapes with cubes. There is a detailed commentary at the end of the book, giving solutions and explanations, together with the occasional follow-up problem.

The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

The quirky and unusual story of a young boy who hates maths at school, but who discovers a new side to the subject when he meets an unusual mathematician in a dream. This book takes you on an adventure through creative mathematical thinking, with great illustrations along the way.

The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus by Hannah Fry and Thomas Oléron Evans

How do you apply game theory to select who should be on your Christmas shopping list? Can you predict Her Majesty's Christmas Message? Will calculations show Santa is getting steadily thinner - shimmying up and down chimneys for a whole night - or fatter - as he tucks into a mince pie and a glass of sherry in billions of houses across the world? Full of diagrams, sketches and graphs, beautiful equations, Markov chains and matrices, this book brightens up the bleak midwinter with stockingfuls of mathematical marvels. Mathematics has never been merrier.

Aha! Insight & aha! Gotcha by Martin Gardner

Previously published separately, the two books aha! Gotcha and aha! Insight have been combined as a single volume. The aha! books, as they are referred to by fans of Martin Gardner, contain 144 wonderful puzzles from the reigning king of recreational mathematics. In this combined volume, you will find puzzles ranging over geometry, logic, probability, statistics, number, time, combinatorics, and word play. Gardner calls these puzzles aha! problems, that 'seem difficult, and indeed are difficult if you go about trying to solve them in traditional ways. But if you can free your mind from standard problem solving techniques, you may be receptive to an aha! reaction that leads immediately to a solution. Don't be discouraged if, at first, you have difficulty with these problems. After a while you will begin to catch the spirit of offbeat, nonlinear thinking, and you may be surprised to find your aha! ability improving.'

My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles by Martin Gardner

Over a period of 25 years as author of the Mathematical Games column for Scientific American, Martin Gardner devoted a column every six months or so to short math problems or puzzles. This volume contains a rich selection of 70 of the best of these brain teasers, in some cases including references to new developments related to the puzzle. Now enthusiasts can challenge their solving skills and rattle their egos with such stimulating mind-benders as The Returning Explorer, The Mutilated Chessboard, Scrambled Box Tops, The Fork in the Road, Bronx vs. Brooklyn, Touching Cigarettes, and 64 other problems involving logic and basic math. Solutions are included.

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua

In this book Sydney Padua transforms one of the most compelling scientific collaborations into a hilarious set of adventures, starring Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage. This book presents a delightful alternate reality in which Lovelace and Babbage build the Difference Engine and use it to create runaway economic models, battle the scourge of spelling errors, explore the wider realms of mathematics and, of course, fight crime - for the sake of both London and science. Extremely funny and utterly unusual, this book comes complete with historical curiosities, extensive footnotes and never-before-seen diagrams of Babbage's mechanical, steam-powered computer. And ray guns.

The 'Uncle Albert' Series by Russell Stannard

A best selling science/adventure series, beginning with 'The Time and Space of Uncle Albert'. Uncle Albert and his intrepid niece, Gedanken, enter the dangerous and unknown world of a thought bubble. Their mission: to unlock the deep mysteries of Time and Space... Discover why you can't break the ultimate speed barrier, how to become older than your mother, how to put on weight without getting fat, and how to live forever without even knowing it. Other books in the series include: 'Black Holes and Uncle Albert' and 'Uncle Albert and the Quantum Quest'.

Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart

A selection of mathematical puzzles, stories, tricks and short articles - great to read all in one go, or to dip into. The content varies between simple logic puzzles to introductions to more advanced topics such as the Four Colour Theorem, which tells us that we can colour in any map using only four colours, so that no bordering countries have the same colour.

Book of Curious & Interesting Mathematics by David Wells

A collection of strange mathematical facts and stories. This anthology covers a whole range of ages, maths and mathematicians, and includes probability paradoxes, jumbled Shakespearean sonnets, record-breaking monkeys and typewriters, and theories of big game hunting. Also featured are stories of people who looked for logical loopholes in the American Constitution or calmed their nerves with algebra.

Book of Curious & Interesting Puzzles by David Wells

This collection by best-selling author David Wells, a Cambridge math scholar and teacher, includes more than 560 puzzles, from the "mind sharpeners" of a medieval monk to the eitheenth-century Ladies' Diary, the Hindu Bhakshali manuscript, and riddles and popular rhymes. None require any mathematics beyond the most elementary algebra and geometry - and few require even that. Complete answers appear at the end.

Mathematics, Magic and Mystery by Martin Gardner

Famed puzzle expert Martin Gardner explains the mathematics behind a multitude of mystifying tricks: card tricks, stage "mind reading," coin and match tricks, counting out games, geometric dissections, etc. Each of these are actually demonstrations of probability, sets, number theory, topology and other braches of mathematics. No skill at sleight of hand is needed to perform the more than 500 tricks described in this book because mathematics guarantees their success.

How Many Socks Make a Pair? by Rob Eastaway

Can maths be creative? This book sets out to prove that it can, through a selection of short articles on surprising maths in everyday life. Through lots of intriguing problems, involving card tricks, polar bears and, of course, socks, Rob Eastaway shows shows how maths can demonstrate its secret beauties in even the most mundane of everyday objects.

Why do Buses Come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham

With a foreword by Tim Rice, this book will change the way you see the world. Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on a Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? And what's the connection between a rugby player taking a conversion and a tourist trying to get the best photograph of Nelson's Column? These and many other fascinating questions are answered in this entertaining and highly informative book, which is ideal for anyone wanting to remind themselves - or discover for the first time - that maths is relevant to almost everything we do. Dating, cooking, travelling by car, gambling and even life-saving techniques have links with intriguing mathematical problems, as you will find explained here. Whether you have a PhD in astrophysics or haven't touched a maths problem since your school days, this book will give you a fresh understanding of the world around you.

Flatterland by Ian Stewart

In 1884, Edwin A. Abbott published “Flatland”; a brilliant novel about mathematics and philosophy that charmed and fascinated all of England. Now, Ian Stewart has written a fascinating, modern sequel to Abbott's book. Through larger-than-life characters and an inspired story line, "Flatterland" explores our present understanding of the shape and origins of the universe, the nature of space, time, and matter, as well as modern geometries and their applications.

The Liar Paradox and the Towers of Hanoi: 10 Greatest Math Puzzles of All Time by Marcel Danesi

Ever since the Sphinx asked his legendary riddle of Oedipus, riddles, conundrums, and puzzles of all sizes have kept humankind perplexed and amused. The Liar Paradox and the Towers of Hanoi takes die-hard puzzle experts on a tour of the world's most enduringly intriguing braintwisters, from Königsberg's Bridges and the Hanoi Towers to Fibonacci's Rabbits, the Four Color Problem, and the Magic Square. Each chapter introduces the basic puzzle, discusses the mathematics behind it, and includes exercises and answers plus additional puzzles similar to the one under discussion. Here is a veritable kaleidoscope of puzzling labyrinths, maps, bridges, and optical illusions that will keep aficionados entertained for hours.

The Number Mysteries by Marcus du Sautoy

An exploration of surprising ways maths occurs in our everyday lives, centred around five famous unsolved problems in mathematics. Topics include how to detect an art forgery, winning strategies in Monopoly, and how to crack a code. Sprinkled with games and links to interactive online content so you can try out some of the ideas for yourself!

Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension by Matt Parker

This is the complete guide to exploring the fascinating world of maths you were never told about at school. Stand-up comedian and mathematician Matt Parker uses bizarre Klein Bottles, unimaginably small pizza slices, knots no one can untie and computers built from dominoes to reveal some of the most exotic and fascinating ideas in mathematics. Starting with simple numbers and algebra, this book goes on to deal with inconceivably big numbers in more dimensions than you ever knew existed. And always with something for you to make or do along the way.

How to Cut a Cake: and Other Mathematical Conundrums by Ian Stewart

In this book are twenty more curious puzzles and fantastical mathematical stories from one of the world's most popular and accessible writers on mathematics. This is a strange world of never-ending chess games, empires on the moon, furious fireflies, and, of course, disputes over how best to cut a cake. Each chapter - with titles such as, "How to Play Poker By Post" and "Repealing the Law of Averages" - presents a fascinating mathematical puzzle that is challenging, fun, and introduces the reader to a significant mathematical problem in an engaging and witty way. Illustrated with clever and quirky cartoons, each tale will delight those who love puzzles and mathematical conundrums.

Games and Mathematics by David Wells

The appeal of games and puzzles is timeless and universal. In this book, David Wells explores the fascinating connections between games and mathematics, proving that mathematics is not just about tedious calculation but imagination, insight and intuition. The first part of the book introduces games, puzzles and mathematical recreations, including knight tours on a chessboard. The second part explains how thinking about playing games can mirror the thinking of a mathematician, using scientific investigation, tactics and strategy, and sharp observation. Finally the author considers game-like features found in a wide range of human behaviours, illuminating the role of mathematics and helping to explain why it exists at all. This thought-provoking book is perfect for anyone with a thirst for mathematics and its hidden beauty; a good high school grounding in mathematics is all the background that is required, and the puzzles and games will suit pupils from 14 years.

Mathematical Puzzles: A Connoisseur's Collection by Peter Winkler

Collected over several years by Peter Winkler, dozens of elegant, intriguing challenges are presented in this book. The answers are easy to explain, but without this book, devilishly hard to find. Creative reasoning is the key to these puzzles. No involved computation or higher mathematics is necessary, but your ability to construct a mathematical proof will be severly tested - even if you are a professional mathematician. For the truly adventurous, there is even a chapter on unsolved puzzles.

Elastic Numbers by Daniel Griller

Beautifully crafted and immensely enjoyable, the problems in this book require minimal technical knowledge, being accessible to young secondary school pupils. However, there is an astonishing range in difficulty; while some of the problems are fairly straightforward, others are significantly tougher, with a great deal of ingenuity and clarity of thought needed to make progress. Whether you are a student preparing for a maths competition, an educational establishment seeking to supplement your problem solving resources, or an individual looking for a different sort of challenge, Elastic Numbers is a unique collection, and will push you to the very edge of your abilities.

Thinking Mathematically by Mason, Burton & Stacey

Thinking Mathematically is perfect for anyone who wants to develop their powers to think mathematically, whether at school, at university or just out of interest. This book is invaluable for anyone who wishes to promote mathematical thinking in others or for anyone who has always wondered what lies at the core of mathematics. Thinking Mathematically reveals the processes at the heart of mathematics and demonstrates how to encourage and develop them. Extremely practical, it involves the reader in questions so that subsequent discussions speak to immediate experience.

Finding Moonshine: A Mathematician's Journey Through Symmetry by Marcus Du Sautoy

This book tells the story of one of the biggest adventures in mathematics: the search for symmetry. This is the story of how humankind has come to its understanding of the bizarre world of symmetry - a subject of fundamental significance to the way we interpret the world around us. Our eyes and minds are drawn to symmetrical objects, from the sphere to the swastika, from the pyramid to the pentagon. 'Symmetry' is all-pervasive: in chemistry the concept of symmetry explains the structure of crystals; in evolutionary biology, the natural world exploits symmetry in the fight for survival; symmetry and the breaking of symmetry are central to ideas in art, architecture and music; the mathematics of symmetry is even exploited in industry, for example to find efficient ways to store more music on a CD or to keep your mobile phone conversation from cracking up through interference.

Mathematics for the Curious by Peter Higgins

When do the hands of a clock coincide? How likely is it that two children in the same class will share a birthday? How do we calculate the volume of a doughnut? Mathematics for the Curious provides anyone interested in mathematics with a simple and entertaining account of what it can do. Author Peter Higgins gives clear explanations of the more mysterious features of childhood mathematics as well as novelties and connections that prove that mathematics can be enjoyable and full of surprises. Topics include: the truth about fractions, ten questions and their answers, and the golden ratio. Higgins poses entertaining puzzles and questions tempting the reader to ponder math problems with imagination instead of dread. Mathematics for the Curious is an accessible introduction to basic mathematics for beginning students and a lively refresher for adults.

Mathematics for the Imagination by Peter Higgins

Mathematics for the Imagination provides an accessible and entertaining investigation into mathematical problems in the world around us. From world navigation, family trees, and calendars to patterns, tessellations, and number tricks, this informative and fun book helps you to understand the maths behind real-life questions and rediscover your arithmetical mind. This is a highly involving book which encourages the reader to enter into the spirit of mathematical exploration.

Mathematics and the Physical World by Morris Kline

A stimulating account of development of basic mathematics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, to calculus, differential equations and non-Euclidean geometries. Also describes how maths is used in optics, astronomy, motion under the law of gravitation, acoustics, electromagnetism, and other aspects of physics.

Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction by Timothy Gowers

Tim Gowers is a Fields Medalist (the Fields medal is the mathematical equivalent of the Nobel prize), so it is not at all surprising that what he writes is worth reading. What is surprising is the ease and charm of his writing. He touches lightly many areas of mathematics, some that will be familiar (Pythagoras) and some that may not be (manifolds) and has something illuminating to say about all of them.

Excursions in Geometry by C. Stanley Ogilvy

In this book, Professor Ogilvy demonstrates the mathematical challenege and satisfaction to be had from geometry, the only requirement being two simple implements (straight-edge and compass) and a little thought. Topics including harmonic division and Apollonian circles, inversive geometry, the hexlet, conic sections, projective geometry, the Golden Section and angle trisection are addressed in a way that brings out the true intellectual excitement inherent in each. Also included are some unsolved problems of modern geometry.

Excursions in Mathematics by C. Stanley Ogilvy

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of mathematics and mathematicians. It is designed for the reader who has no advanced mathematical background of special aptitude, but who wants to acquaint him or herself with the intellectually stimulating and aesthetically satisfying aspects of the subject. After illuminating the role of the mathematician and dispelling several popular misconceptions about the nature of mathematics, Professor Ogilvy takes you on a lively tour of the four basic branches of the subject: number theory, algebra, geometry and analysis. Focusing on the interesting, and even amusing, aspects of mathematics, he points out the interconnections between the branches and presents mathematics as a vital subject whose frontiers are continually expanding. Many illustrations and examples illuminate classic aspects of the subject as well as recent advances.

Excursions in Number Theory by C. Stanley Ogilvy and John Anderson

This delightful volume, by two well-known mathematicians, invites readers to join a challenging expedition into the mystery and magic of number theory. No special training is needed - just high school mathematics, a fondness for figures and an inquisitive mind. Beginning with familiar notions, the authors skillfully transport the reader to higher realms of mathematics, developing the necessary concepts along the way. Included are thorough discussions of prime numbers, number patterns, irrationals and iterations and calculating prodigies, among other topics.

Q.E.D. - Beauty in Mathematical Proof by Burkard Polster

Which famous proof did Archimedes inscribe on his tombstone? How and why do knots make perfect pentagons? Have you ever seen a proof so completely that it is just obvious? In this delicious little book, top down-under mathemagician Dr. Polster presents many of the most visually intuitive and exciting proofs from the dusty annuals of mathematical history. You can test your ability to follow the logic, leap into mathemagnosis and experience eureka-moment after eureka-moment.

How to Solve It by George Polya

A perennial bestseller by eminent mathematician G. Polya, How to Solve It will show anyone in any field how to think straight. In lucid and appealing prose, Polya reveals how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can be of help in attacking any problem that can be "reasoned" out - from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. Generations of readers have relished Polya's deft - indeed, brilliant - instructions on stripping away irrelevancies and going straight to the heart of the problem.

The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Mathematics from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz

Maths is everywhere, often where we don't even realise. Award-winning professor Steven Strogatz acts as our guide as he takes us on a tour of numbers that - unbeknownst to the unitiated - connect pop culture, literature, art, philosophy, current affairs, business and even every day life. In The Joy of X, Strogatz explains the great ideas of maths - from negative numbers to calculus, fat tails to infinity - with clarity, wit and insight. He is the maths teacher you never had and this book is perfect for the smart and curious, the expert and the beginner.

Problem-Solving Strategies In Mathematics: From Common Approaches To Exemplary Strategies by Alfred S Posamentier and Stephen Krulik

This book introduces ten problem-solving strategies by first presenting the strategy and then applying it to problems in elementary mathematics. In so doing, the common less efficient approach is first mentioned and then the effective strategy is shown. Elementary mathematics is used so that the reader can focus on the strategy and not be distracted by some more sophisticated mathematics.

1089 and All That: A Journey into Mathematics by David Acheson

David Acheson's extraordinary little book makes mathematics accessible to everyone. From very simple beginnings he takes us on a thrilling journey to some deep mathematical ideas. On the way, via Kepler and Newton, he explains what calculus really means, gives a brief history of pi, and even takes us to chaos theory and imaginary numbers. Every short chapter is carefully crafted to ensure that no one will get lost on the journey. Packed with puzzles and illustrated by world famous cartoonists, this is one of the most readable and imaginative books on mathematics ever written.

An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning by Peter Eccles

The purpose of this book is to introduce the basic ideas of mathematical proof to students. The emphasis is on helping the reader in understanding and constructing proofs and writing clear mathematics. This is achieved by exploring set theory, combinatorics and number theory, topics which include many fundamental ideas which are part of the tool kit of any mathematician. This material illustrates how familiar ideas can be formulated rigorously, provides examples demonstrating a wide range of basic methods of proof, and includes some of the classic proofs.

best maths problem solving books

Can the study of mathematics enrich the heart as well as the mind? Francis Su explains how humans crave logic, beauty, truth and play, and that searching for these in mathematics is not only rewarding, but builds virtues in us that help us be better individuals and members of society. The book includes puzzles to draw everyone in to the enjoyment of mathematics, as part of his vision that mathematics should be shared by everyone.

What is Mathematics? by Richard Courant, Herbert Robbins and Ian Stewart

Written for beginners and scholars, for students and teachers, for philosophers and engineers, this book is a sparkling collection of mathematical gems that offers an entertaining and accessible portrait of the mathematical world. Covering everything from natural numbers and the number system to geometrical constructions and projective geometry, this fascinating survey allows readers to delve into mathematics as an organic whole rather than an empty drill in problem solving. With chapters largely independent of one another and sections that lead upward from basic to more advanced discussions, readers can easily pick and choose areas of particular interest without impairing their understanding of subsequent parts.

Towards Higher Mathematics: A Companion by Richard Earl

Containing a large and varied set of problems, this rich resource will allow students to stretch their mathematical abilities beyond the school syllabus, and bridge the gap to university-level mathematics. Many proofs are provided to better equip students for the transition to university. The author covers substantial extension material using the language of sixth-form mathematics, thus enabling students to understand the more complex material. There are over 1500 carefully graded exercises, with hints included in the text, and solutions available online. Historical and contextual asides highlight each area of mathematics and show how it has developed over time.

The Art of the Infinite by Robert and Ellen Kaplan

This book unlocks the secrets of maths - revealing it to be our lost, native language, as much a part of us as the words we use every day. Number and form are the essence of our world: from the patterns of the stars to the pulses of the market, from the beats of our hearts to catching a ball or tying our shoelaces. Drawing on science, literature, history and philosophy, this book makes the rich patterns of maths brilliantly clear.

Algorithmic Puzzles by Anany & Maria Levitin

In this book, Anany and Maria Levitin use many classic brainteasers as well as newer examples from job interviews with major corporations to show readers how to apply analytical thinking to solve puzzles requiring well-defined procedures. The book's unique collection of puzzles is supplemented with carefully developed tutorials on algorithm design strategies and analysis techniques intended to walk the reader step-by-step through the various approaches to algorithmic problem solving. Mastery of these strategies - exhaustive search, backtracking, and divide-and-conquer, among others - will aid the reader in solving not only the puzzles contained in this book, but also others encountered in interviews, puzzle collections, and throughout everyday life. Each of the 150 puzzles contains hints and solutions, along with commentary on the puzzle's origins and solution methods. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles.

The Mathematics of Games and Gambling by Edward Packel

This book introduces and develops some of the important and beautiful elementary mathematics needed for rational analysis of various gambling and game activities. Most of the standard casino games (roulette, craps, blackjack, keno), some social games (backgammon, poker, bridge) and various other activities (state lotteries, horse racing) are treated in ways that bring out their mathematical aspects. The mathematics developed ranges from the predictable concepts of probability, expectation, and binomial coefficients to some less well-known ideas of elementary game theory. Game-related exercises are included and solutions to some appear at the end of the book.

How to Study for a Mathematics Degree by Lara Alcock

Every year, thousands of students go to university to study mathematics. Many of these students are extremely intelligent and hardworking, but even the best will, at some point, struggle with the demands of making the transition to advanced mathematics. The mathematics shifts in focus from calculation to proof, so students are expected to interact with it in different ways. These changes need not be mysterious - mathematics education research has revealed many insights into the adjustments that are necessary - but they are not obvious and they do need explaining. This book translates these research-based insights into practical advice for a student audience. It covers every aspect of studying for a mathematics degree, from the most abstract intellectual challenges to the everyday business of interacting with lecturers and making good use of study time.

How to Think Like a Mathematician by Kevin Houston

Looking for a head start in your undergraduate degree in mathematics? This friendly companion will ease your transition to real mathematical thinking. Working through the book you will develop an arsenal of techniques to help you unlock the meaning of definitions, theorems and proofs, solve problems, and write mathematics effectively. All the major methods of proof - direct method, cases, induction, contradiction and contrapositive - are featured. Concrete examples are used throughout, and you'll get plenty of practice on topics common to many courses such as divisors, Euclidean algorithms, modular arithmetic, equivalence relations, and injectivity and surjectivity of functions. With over 300 exercises to help you test your progress, you'll soon learn how to think like a mathematician.

All The Math Books You’ll Ever Need (Updated 2023)

Countless math books are published each year, however, only a tiny percentage of these titles are destined to become the kind of classics that are loved the world over by students and mathematicians.

Within this page, you’ll find an extensive list of math books that have sincerely earned the reputation that precedes them.

For many of the most important branches of mathematics, we’ve provided what we consider to be the best math books for the subject at hand. We aimed for a list of titles that were either introductory in nature or that fall into the category of “must-have” math reference books.

Naturally, a universal consensus doesn’t exist but the books below are as close as it gets to a wish list for any aspiring mathematician or person who’s interested in mathematics. We highly recommend each and every one of these titles and hope that you’ll enjoy them, too.

Please note, this list will constantly be updated so as to keep it current.

Math Books Menu

Abstract algebra books, contemporary abstract algebra.

by Joseph Gallian

Abstract Algebra

by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote

Algorithms Books

Introduction to algorithms, third edition.

by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson and Ronald L. Rivest

The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set

by Donald E. Knuth

Calculus Helpers Books

The calculus lifesaver: all the tools you need to excel at calculus.

by Adrian Banner

Calculus Made Easy

by Silvanus P. Thompson

Calculus I Books

Calculus, vol. 1.

by Tom M. Apostol

by Michael Spivak

Calculus II/III Books

Calculus, vol. 2, calculus on manifolds, coffee table math books, mathematicians: an outer view of the inner world.

by Mariana Cook

Sacred Mathematics: Japanese Temple Geometry

by Fukagawa Hidetoshi and Tony Rothman

Combinatorics Books

Principles and techniques in combinatorics.

by Chen Chuan-Chong and Koh Khee-Meng

Combinatorics and Graph Theory (2nd edition)

by John Harris, Jeffry L. Hirst, and Michael Mossinghoff

Differential Equations Books

Differential equations and their applications.

by Martin Braun

Encyclopedias of Mathematics Books

The princeton companion to mathematics.

by Timothy Gowers, June Barrow-Green and Imre Leader (Editors)

Encyclopedia of Mathematics

by James Stuart Tanton

Foundations of Mathematics Books

A mathematical introduction to logic, second edition.

by Herbert Enderton

Classic Set Theory for Guided Independent Study

by Derek C. Goldrei

Categories for the Working Mathematician

by Saunders Mac Lane

History of Mathematics Books

Mathematics: from the birth of numbers.

by Jan Gullberg

What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods

by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins

Mathematics and its History

by John Stillwell

Information Theory Books

Computational science and engineering.

by Gilbert Strang

Information Science

by David G. Luenberger

Introduction to Coding and Information Theory

by Steve Roman

Linear Algebra and Geometry Books

Linear algebra done right.

by Sheldon Axler

The Four Pillars of Geometry

Mathematical methods books, mathematical methods: for students of physics and related fields.

by Sadri Hassani

Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences

by Mary L. Boas

Number Theory Books

Elementary number theory.

by Gareth A. Jones and Josephine M. Jones

An Invitation to Modern Number Theory

by Steven J. Miller and Ramin Takloo-Bighash

An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

by G. H. Hardy, Edward M. Wright and Andrew Wiles

Numerical Analysis Books

Numerical analysis with cd-rom.

by Timothy Sauer

Numerical Recipes 3rd Edition: The Art of Scientific Computing

by William H. Press, Saul A. Teukolsky, William T. Vetterling and Brian P. Flannery

Precalculus Books

Precalculus mathematics in a nutshell: geometry, algebra, trigonometry.

by George F. Simmons

Basic Mathematics

by Serge Lang

Probability Books

Introduction to probability models, tenth edition.

by Sheldon M. Ross

An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications

by William Feller

Probability Theory: The Logic of Science

by E.T Jaynes

Fifty Challenging Problems in Probability with Solutions

by Frederick Monsteller

Real and Complex Analysis Books

Principles of mathematical analysis, third edition.

by Walter Rudin

Real Analysis

by N.L Carothers

Real and Complex Analysis

A first course in complex analysis with applications.

by Dennis Zill and Patrick Shanahan

Visual Complex Analysis

by Tristan Needham

Statistics Books

Statistics in plain english, third edition.

by Timothy C. Urdan

Review : Just as the title implies, the author has submitted an unequivocal and palpable exposition on statistics. Statistics in Plain English is regarded by many as the most appropriate statistics primer for undergraduates. Urdan has managed to compress everything one needs to know about statistics into a compact 250 page book that doesn’t feel hurried or unfulfilling. The text is general enough to be used in a variety of mathematical areas yet retains its comprehensiveness and accuracy. Urdan masterfully moves through essential concepts without losing the reader the way many professors would. Students harboring apprehension towards statistics will tremendously enjoy this book. More info .

Introductory Statistics

by Neil A. Weiss

Statistics, 4th Edition

by David Freedman, Robert Pisani and Roger Purves

Topology Books

Introduction to topology and modern analysis, introduction to topology: third edition.

by Bert Mendelson

Feel free to get in touch if you think the list is really missing out by not listing a specific book. If you are a publisher and feel that we’re missing a great book of yours, drop us a line. Please understand that we recommend only what we consider to be the best books on the market today. No exceptions.

Disclaimer: Here at Math-Blog.com we believe in full disclosure. The links to Amazon.com, have our referral id which earns us a tiny commission every time you buy from these links. Think of it as a tip that won’t cost you a cent, to reward us for our time investment. We appreciate your support.

best maths problem solving books

Book series

Problem Books in Mathematics

About this book series.

  • Peter Winkler

Book titles in this series

Functional analysis and operator theory.

  • Volodymyr Brayman
  • Andrii Chaikovskyi
  • Oleksii Konstantinov
  • Alexander Kukush
  • Copyright: 2024

best maths problem solving books

Applying Power Series to Differential Equations

An Exploration through Questions and Projects

  • James Sochacki
  • Anthony Tongen
  • Copyright: 2022

best maths problem solving books

An Excursion Through Partial Differential Equations

  • Svetlin G. Georgiev
  • Copyright: 2023

best maths problem solving books

Geometric Transformations

  • Răzvan Gelca
  • Ionuţ Onişor
  • Carlos Yuzo Shine

best maths problem solving books

More (Almost) Impossible Integrals, Sums, and Series

A New Collection of Fiendish Problems and Surprising Solutions

  • Cornel Ioan Vălean

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13 Math Books that are Highly Recommended by Experts

best math books

Best math books is the key to success for many students because, before the advancement of the modern age, mathematics had its limits.

But, nowadays, it has developed into a vastly diverse topic and they are not up to a limit.

The developments in mathematics are still continuous that make great contributions in the technical fields.

Mathematics is termed the queen of science.

There are a number of areas that are evolved on the basis of mathematics.

Because of the expansion of mathematics usage and scope, there is a requirement to classify several branches of mathematics.

Each year number of math books are published, but few of them are successful to be loved by mathematicians and students all around the world.

In this blog, you will find some of the best math books that help you to understand the complexity of the mathematics subject.

But, before proceeding to the further details of the books, get some information about what are the main branches of mathematics.

We will provide you the details of the book as per the branches of maths.

What Are The Main Branches Of Mathematics?

Table of Contents

  • Arithmetics: It is most elementary and the oldest among all other branches and it deals with the basic operations and number system of mathematics such as addition, multiplications, subtractions, and divisions.
  • Algebra: It is a type of arithmetics that deals with the unknown numeric quantities. The unknown numeric quantities consist of alphabets like A, B, X, Y, and much more. The alphabets help to generalize the rules and formulas that one writes and they help to find the missing value of algebraic equations and expressions. 
  • Geometry: This is the most practical and usable branch of maths that deals with the size and shape of figures and their properties. This branch consists of lines, surfaces, points, angles, and solids. 

There are other branches too that deal with the higher studies of mathematics.

  • Trigonometry : This term is derived from Greek that trignon (means triangle) and metron (means a measure). This branch of maths deals with the sides and angles of triangles. 
  • Analysis: It deals with the rate of changes in different quantities. Calculus is the basic form of analysis.

Now, we will provide you with a list of the best math books as per the branches and overall conceptual books.

These books are useful to enhance your knowledge of the concepts and theories of mathematics.

One can prefer one or more books that are listed below and improve their grades in the academic exams and assignments.

Why Is Mathematics Considered Harder Subjects To Learn For Students?

1. difficult concepts.

Mathematics involves difficult concepts and ideas that can be challenging for students to grasp initially. Concepts such as infinity, limits, and imaginary numbers may seem unfamiliar and difficult to understand without sufficient context or visual representation.

2. Complex Problem Solving

Mathematics requires logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students need to apply various techniques and formulas to solve complex mathematical problems, which can be mentally demanding and time-consuming.

3. Cumulative Nature

Mathematics is a cumulative subject, meaning that new concepts build upon previously learned ones. If students have gaps in their understanding or struggle with foundational concepts, it can hinder their progress in more advanced topics.

4. Lack of Real-World Context

Sometimes, students struggle to see the practical applications of mathematics in real life. Without understanding how mathematical concepts relate to everyday situations or other academic disciplines, they may be harder to engage and find motivation to learn.

5. Symbolic Language

Mathematics uses a symbolic language with equations, symbols, and notation that can appear complex and unintuitive to students. Understanding and interpreting mathematical symbols requires practice and familiarity, which can pose a barrier for learners.

6. Perception of Difficulty

Mathematics has a reputation for being a challenging subject, which can create a psychological barrier for students. Negative beliefs or anxiety about math can impact their confidence and willingness to engage with the material, making it harder for them to learn effectively.

13 + Best Math Books For Students In 2023

Here we will discuss 13+ best math books for students in 2023, after reading these books, students gain a deep knowledge of mathematical concepts: 

The Princeton Companion to Mathematics: By June Barrow-Green, Timothy Gowers, and Imre Leader.

best maths problem solving books

This is one of the best math books that every mathematician and student must have.

This book has defined the truth of mathematics which is versatile and has the ability to make students understand the complexity of maths as it has all the techniques to solve all the maths problems.

The editor of this book is also successful to manage this book cohesively and bind them together.

This book has a variety of mathematical topics with their respective specialized articles that help the students to learn advanced mathematics.

It is considered the best math book because it is also helpful for non-mathematicians who want to learn the concepts of maths that are required to deal with the overall accessible nature.

This book can be readable up to a hundred years from now. And this can be the best choice to learn mathematics.

Encyclopedia of Mathematics: By James Stuart Tanton

best maths problem solving books

This can be the best reference for maths lovers as its name implies that it has all the information and covers all the topics of mathematics such as arithmetics, algebra, calculus, and much more.

The author of this book has done tremendous work for the learners by providing a quick search to each topic with the relevant information without puzzling them with the concept of each topic.

One of the best features of this book is that it is formatted in an A-Z alphabetic structure that also offers an outline to draw a connection between other topics which is necessary to understand a topic.

Besides this, it covers the necessary resources and facts that are essential to learning the concepts of maths.

This book has more than 800 entries with the relevant timelines that follow those entries.

A Mathematical Introduction to Logic, Second Edition: By Herbert Enderton

best maths problem solving books

This book can not remain to come in the list of the best math books . As it has the finest introduction text with the logical analyzes that each student understands with ease.

The author of this book has covered all the skillful explanations, all the number systems, theorems, and other topics.

This book is recommended by mathematics to the students who have a slight knowledge of math’s logic as this makes it easier for them to practice the exercises that are included in this book.

It comprises several well-selected examples and has a wider scope than other books that are available in the market.

This book can be suggested to the students who are seeking to know and learn mathematics logic.

Categories for the Working Mathematician: By Saunders Mac Lane

best maths problem solving books

This book has covered vital categories of theories that students need to know.

You might be thinking that category theory are the toughest topics for several students but this book has explained all the information effortlessly that is easy to understand.

The author used a great writing approach with dexterity and skill.

Therefore, this book can help graduate-level mathematics with limited experience to start learning the basic terminologies before proceeding to the main theorems.

However, experienced graduates can take it to get a master’s in a mathematics trade.

Classic Set Theory for Guided Independent Study: By Derek C. Goldrei

best maths problem solving books

This can be used as an independent study guide which is designed to make the set theory’s topic comprehensive and easy to understand for the students who are pursuing self-study.

The reader of this book finds that it has explained all the complex topics in a smooth manner.

It has the number of exercises to practice and illustrate the number of examples based on a variety of topics.

To increase the learning experiences of the readers, this book has commentaries, ideas, and recommendations that are used to explain each topic.

This quality is found in rare books that students have never seen before.

Abstract Algebra: By David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote

best maths problem solving books

This book has an introduction to abstract algebra, which can help the students to endure the beauty and power that originates from the fruitful interaction in various fields of math.

This book explains the principles of various algebraic structures, starting with the fundamental definitions of unusual in-depth conclusions, with the help of various exercises and examples to help the students.

With this method, students get gratitude for how numerical formations and their interaction point to excellent outcomes and penetrations in various settings.

The book is outlined for a full-year graduate or undergraduate-level students. Parts of this book might be utilized for many semesters’ courses in algebra.

Each of them has a fixed background that is delving deeper into several fields: algebraic topology, algebraic number theory, algebraic geometry, Lie groups, representation theory, etc. 

Calculus made easy: By Silvanus P. Thompson

best maths problem solving books

Those learners who do not understand or are skilled in math can enjoy studying mathematical calculations with the help of Calculus Made Easy.

Thompson designs friendly, encouraging conditions where students can easily learn and understand calculus’s true nature without technicality.

Frustrated learners who have attempted various difficulties after a cooperative calculus help agrees with the fact that it is an expert means given to the student with the identical wavelength.

Thompson understands that math is troublesome for various students; that is why he develops calculus into a less difficult frame than the standard method that used to confuse and puzzle the students.

Linear algebra done right: By Sheldon Axler

best maths problem solving books

It is an excellent book demanding a small maturity level of mathematics. Axler conveys a logical and thoughtful way to the job.

He focuses on matrices and turns the attention of readers towards linear mappings.

It gives the proofs simple, elegant, and pleasing. Understanding the unfamiliarity of the reader and the time frame, Axler prepares an excellent job and enhancing the understanding of the readers instead of detailing application formulas and methods.

He gives the student various unsolved exercises that get to be stimulating and thought-provoking. Knowing how to solve the matrices is needed.

And this book goes as excellent as a second-course or supplementary to linear algebra.

The four pillar of Geometry: By John Stillwell

best maths problem solving books

It is one of the wonderfully written books that can help learners to combine the dots in four different aspects of geometry.

Here the four pillars are compass constructions and straight-edge, linear algebra, transformation groups, and projective geometry.

This book helps the student acquire a more convincing recognition for geometry with unique capability and is compared at various angles that enable learners to increase their knowledge of this topic.

Graduate and undergraduate students and teachers can enjoy the compression of the writing of Stillwell and his knowledge to check each topic of geometry instead of feature one. 

Elementary number theory: By Gareth A. Jones and Josephine M. Jones

best maths problem solving books

Students of graduate and undergraduate mathematics will get the book conveniently that has in-depth knowledge of maths.

Jones and Jones create a great pair that guide students’ surprisingly and painlessly enjoyable education experience.

It seems that several readers favor its readability over others. It is briefly based the advanced subjects like Fermat’s Last Theorem.

The book emphasizes the power of number theory rightfully, and the writers complete every exercise with flawless answers that something students would undoubtedly enjoy.

The book also manages as both reference material and additional study, or introductory subject literature.

An Introduction To Probability Theory and Its Applications: By Willian Feller

best maths problem solving books

This is the first edition book, in which the author has painted a clear picture about probability theory.

Moreover, the author explains all the applications in a more interesting way from various viewpoints.

Some of the students might find the material a bit advanced; therefore, it would be better for the graduating students of 3 and 4 years to study it.

Our experts also recommend this book as it explains all the concepts with relevant examples.

The examples help the students to get clear and accurate conceptual knowledge of discrete probability.

Apart from this, students can get an intuitive understanding of the subject.

Therefore, it can be a must-read book for all the advanced students who are pursuing their studies related to probability theories.

Principles of Mathematical Analysis, Third Edition: By Walter Rudin

best maths problem solving books

The author has given a comprehensive book about mathematical analysis.

But, before going to this book, the reader should have some conceptual knowledge about linear algebra, set theory, and other important topics.

There is a possibility that students find the problem sets a little bit tough.

But when they are able to figure out the sets, it will look very interesting and helpful to learn.

Therefore, we can say that it is a very beneficial book for students and other mathematicians.

The challenging practical problems will train the students to solve the challenging questions effectively and intuitively.

So, our experts highly recommend this book as one of the best math books. 

Introductory Statistics: By Neil A. Weiss

best maths problem solving books

If you are struggling with statistics problems, then this book is great for understanding various statistics problems.

The author has structured the concepts and theory in a meaningful manner to enjoy the complex concepts.

Apart from this, the author has also explained the complicated topics as elementary-level calculations so that readers can easily understand them.

Here, the author’s main focus is to explain each statistics concept that is easy to understand for beginners.

The detailed chapter included in this book is Organizing Data, Discrete Random Variables, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Descriptive Measures, and Inferential Methods in Regression & Correlation.

Introduction to Topology and Modern Analysis: By George F. Simmons

best maths problem solving books

This book is divided into three different sections by the author: operators, topology, and algebra of operators.

He has given an excellent, classical, and fantastic introduction to the term topology, which is specialized for target linearity and continuity.

Here, the author’s main objective is to illuminate the meaning of the words and relate each term with the others.

This is done in each chapter; that is why it becomes easier for the reader to understand the concepts.

Students, who prefer self-study, find this book a phenomenal communicator and face no issues during the study.

He clarifies each topology concept that defines the authors’ maths capabilities and skills to solve complicated problems. 

Basic Mathematics: By Serge Lang

best maths problem solving books

This book is considered one of the best math books for students who want to explore new things about calculus.

This book is separated into four different sections: Intuitive Geometry, Algebra, Miscellaneous, and Coordinate Geometry.

Each section has a number of problem exercises for the readers so that they can practice and polish their problem-solving capabilities.

Being an expert in mathematics, the author has constructed a strong foundation for the students to help them improve their knowledge of mathematical concepts.

Each basic concept has been explained in a well-manner that helps readers to go through the details without making them stressed.

Therefore, it gets the positions in our list of best math books for readers who are looking for the best book for algebra, calculus, and other mathematical areas.

These books cover various branches of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, number theory, geometry, topology, probability theory, and more. They are highly recommended for students and mathematicians who want to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and improve their problem-solving skills.

Why Should You Read Books in Math?

Here are some of the reasons why should student read books in math which are as follows:

  • Reading math books enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as it requires logical reasoning and analytical thinking.
  • Math books offer in-depth explanations and examples that help clarify complex mathematical concepts.
  • They provide a foundation for building mathematical knowledge and skills, serving as a reference for future learning and application.
  • Reading math books exposes readers to different perspectives and approaches in mathematics, broadening their understanding of the subject.
  • It improves mathematical literacy and fluency, enabling readers to communicate and express mathematical ideas effectively.

This blog has provided all the details on mathematics and its branches that a student needs to learn.

We have also listed the top 10 best math books that are beneficial for students as well as for the mathematician to understand the concepts of mathematics. These books are also reviewed by experts who check the content and method of solving the complex problems of mathematics.

Therefore, one can prefer these books to solve mathematical problems. And can score higher in their assessments or exams.

Because of these books, students can improve their grades in their academic tests and assignments by enhancing their skills and mathematics knowledge.

If you are facing any kind of difficulty while doing math homework and want us to do my math homework then contact us.

We have professionals who can provide you with the best solution to your queries with the help of plagiarism-free content that will be delivered before the deadline and affordable at low prices.

Q1. Who is the father of Maths?

The father of mathematics is a debated topic, and there is no one specific person who is credited with the inception of mathematics. Mathematics has evolved over thousands of years and has been developed by various cultures and civilizations independently and at different times. Some early contributions to mathematics have been attributed to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, Indians, and Greeks. The Greek mathematician Pythagoras is often referred to as the “father of numbers,” Euclid, who lived in Greece around 300 BC, is known as the “father of geometry.” However, it is impossible to attribute the development of mathematics to one single person or civilization.

Q2. What is the hardest in math?

The hardest aspect of math varies from person to person and can depend on individual aptitude and prior knowledge. Some common difficult topics in math include abstract concepts such as abstract algebra, topology, and category theory, as well as advanced topics in calculus and differential equations. Other difficult areas can include trigonometry, number theory, and real analysis. The difficulty level can also be influenced by a person’s learning style and personal interest.

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12 Best Problem Solving Books to Read in 2024

You found our list of top problem solving books .

Problem solving books are guides that improve critical thinking capability and the ability to resolve issues in the workplace. These works cover topics like bias and logical fallacies, problem prevention, and prioritizing. The purpose of these books is to help workers remain calm under pressure and come up with solutions more quickly.

These guides are similar to decision making books , negotiation books , and conflict resolution books . To improve competency in this area, one can also play problem solving games .

This list includes:

  • problem solving books for adults
  • creative problem solving books
  • business problem solving books
  • problem solving books for programmers

Here we go!

List of problem solving books

Here is a list of books to improve problem solving skills in the workplace.

1. Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving by Amy E Herman

Fixed book cover

Fixed is one of the most useful new books on problem solving. The book calls for problem solvers to look beyond instinctual and obvious answers and provides a framework for more creative thinking. While most folks think about problem solving in terms of logic, reason, and disciplines like math and science, this book shows the role that art and imagination play in the process. Amy Herman consulted on leadership training with Silicon Valley companies and military organizations and brings this expertise into the text to train readers on how to adopt a more innovative critical thinking approach.

Notable Quote: “Working through problems is critical for productivity, profit, and peace. Our problem-solving skills, however, have been short-circuited by our complicated, technology-reliant world.”

Read Fixed .

2. Cracked it!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants by Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony

Cracked It book cover

Cracked it! is one of the best creative problem solving books. Drawing inspiration from the tactics of consultants, this guide is a practical playbook for approaching business problems. The authors outline a “4S” method– State – Structure – Solve – Sell– to tackle obstacles and get support from stakeholders. While many problem solving books simply focus on how to think through issues, this guide also demonstrates how to gain approval for ideas and get others onboard with the solution. The book explains how to best use these techniques, and presents case studies that show the theories in action. Cracked it! is a handy reference for any professional that faces tough challenges on the regular.

Notable Quote: “If you want to know how a lion hunts, don’t go to a zoo. Go to the jungle.”

Read Cracked it!

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3. Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

Upstream book cover

Upstream takes a proactive approach to problem solving. The book urges readers to not only be responsive to issues, but also try to prevent obstacles from occurring. The guide opens with an exploration of “problem blindness,” and the psychological factors that cause folks to be oblivious to issues, along with a reminder that many problems are more controllable and avoidable than first assumed. The pages that follow outline a series of questions leaders can ask to fine-tune the system and steer clear of major headaches, for instance, “How Will You Unite the Right People?” and “How Will You Avoid Doing Harm?” Upstream is full of real world examples of how minor tweaks achieved major results and allowed organizations to sidestep serious holdups.

Notable Quote: “The postmortem for a problem can be the preamble to a solution.”

Read Upstream .

4. Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

book cover

Problem Solving 101 is one of the most fun problem solving books for adults. Written by Ken Watanabe, the guide draws on Japanese philosophy as well as the author’s experience as a consultant at McKinsey to help readers understand and approach problems in productive ways. The pages provide blueprints for problem-solving methods such as logic trees and matrixes, and include scenarios and illustrations that help readers visualize the process more clearly. Problem Solving 101 breaks down the problem solving procedure into the most basic parts and lays out step-by-step instructions for choosing the best action in any situation.

Notable Quote: “When you do take action, every result is an opportunity to reflect and learn valuable lessons. Even if what you take away from your assessment seems to be of small consequence, all of these small improvements taken together make a huge difference in the long term.”

Read Problem Solving 101 .

5. What’s Your Problem?: To Solve Your Toughest Problems, Change the Problems You Solve by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

What's your problem book cover

What’s Your Problem? insists that the most important step in the problem solving process is to start by honing in on the correct problem. The root of much frustration and wasted efforts is that professionals often pick the wrong points to focus on. This book teaches readers how to reframe and approach issues from a different perspective. The guide outlines a repeatable three step process “Frame, Reframe, and Move Forward” to ensure that workers prioritize effectively and stay on track to achieve desired results. What’s Your Problem? teaches professionals of all levels how to be less rigid and more results-focused and adopt a more agile approach to fixing issues.

Notable Quote: “The problems we’re trained on in school are often quite different from the ones we encounter in real life.”

Read What’s Your Problem?

6. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al

sprint book cover

Sprint is one of the best problem solving books for programmers. The authors are the creators of the five-day-process at Google. This guide describes best practices for conducting sprints and solving problems in limited timeframes. The book provides a day-by-day breakdown of tasks for each day of the workweek, with the final steps being designing a prototype and a plan for implementation. Though this idea originated in the tech world and is most widely used in the software industry, this problem-solving and product design approach can be useful for any position that needs to find fixes in a time crunch.

Notable Quote: “We’ve found that magic happens when we use big whiteboards to solve problems. As humans, our short-term memory is not all that good, but our spatial memory is awesome. A sprint room, plastered with notes, diagrams, printouts, and more, takes advantage of that spatial memory. The room itself becomes a sort of shared brain for the team.”

Read Sprint , and check out this guide to virtual hackathons and this list of product design books .

7. Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life by Ozan Varol

Think like a rocket scientist book cover

Think Like a Rocket Scientist lays out formulas and instructions for thinking more strategically. The guide reveals common problem solving approaches used by rocket scientists when exploring the unknown and testing new technology. The book is split into three sections– launch, accelerate, and achieve– with deep dives into concepts such as moonshot thinking and overcoming failure. The anecdotes revolve around space exploration and rocket science yet the methods can be applied to more commonplace and less complex problems as well. Think Like a Rocket Scientist proves that one does not need to be a genius to be a genius problem solver and lets readers learn tricks from one of the most complex professions on the planet.

Notable Quote: “Critical thinking and creativity don’t come naturally to us. We’re hesitant to think big, reluctant to dance with uncertainty, and afraid of failure. These were necessary during the Paleolithic Period, keeping us safe from poisonous foods and predators. But here in the information age, they’re bugs.”

Read Think Like a Rocket Scientist .

8. Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Bulletproof problem solving book cover

Bulletproof Problem Solving is one of the best business problem solving books. This workbook-style-guide breaks down a “bulletproof” method of problem solving favored by consultants at McKinsey. The authors distill the process into seven simple steps–define the problem, disaggregate, prioritize, workplan, analyze, synthesize, and communicate– and give numerous examples of how to follow this cycle with different dilemmas. The chapters explore each stage in depth and outline the importance and finer points of each phase. The book also provides practical tools for readers to build skills, including an appendix with exercise worksheets.

Notable Quote: “Problem solving doesn’t stop at the point of reaching conclusions from individual analyses. Findings have to be assembled into a logical structure to test validity and then synthesized in a way that convinces others that you have a good solution. Great team processes are also important at this stage.”

Read Bulletproof Problem Solving .

9. Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving by by V. Anton Spraul

Think like a programmer book cover

Think Like a Programmer is one of the top problem solving books for programmers. The guide lays out methods for finding and fixing bugs and creating clean, workable code. The text emphasizes that programming is not merely a matter of being competent in the language, but also knowing how to troubleshoot and respond to unexpected occurrences. The chapters present examples of problems and puzzles and work through the answers to help strengthen professional competencies. The book provides an introductory crash course and practical toolkit for beginning coders, with a focus on C++. Yet since the text outlines general theory and approach, the book is also helpful for dealing with other programming languages, or for solving problems in non-tech industries as well. The point of the text is to provide a proper mindset and attitude for reacting to these developments, and the book can be a benefit for folks in any field.

Notable Quote: “Don’t Get Frustrated The final technique isn’t so much a technique, but a maxim: Don’t get frustrated. When you are frustrated, you won’t think as clearly, you won’t work as efficiently, and everything will take longer and seem harder. Even worse, frustration tends to feed on itself, so that what begins as mild irritation ends as outright anger.”

Read Think Like a Programmer .

10. The Founder’s Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup by by Noam Wasserman

The Founders Dilemmas Book Cover

The Founder’s Dilemmas lays out the most common problems entrepreneurs face and gives advice on how to avoid or solve these issues. The book tackles topics such as managing relationships, hiring, and rewarding or correcting employees. The chapters outline the mistakes inexperienced leaders often make and offer strategies for handling these tough situations with more smarts and skill. By reading this book, founders can learn from predecessors and avoid making obvious and avoidable errors in judgment. The Founder’s Dilemmas is a problem-solving resource for startup leaders and team members who lack more traditional guidance.

Notable Quote: “Ideas are cheap; execution is dear.”

Read The Founder’s Dilemmas , and check out more entrepreneurial books .

11. The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t by Julia Galef

The scout mindset book cover

The Scout Mindset challenges readers to move beyond gut reactions and preconceptions and rethink problems. The book offers instructions for overcoming bias and central beliefs to gather more objective data. Julia Galef encourages readers to act more like scouts than soldiers and gather information without judging to make more informed decisions. The text outlines the common reasons folks jump to conclusions and offers advice on how to avoid incorrect assumptions and conduct level-headed analyses. The Scout Mindset is a call to action for objectivity and an instruction manual for breaking away from unhelpful mental patterns that can lead to poor choices.

Notable Quote: “Discovering you were wrong is an update, not a failure, and your worldview is a living document meant to be revised.”

Read The Scout Mindset .

12. Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models by Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann

Super Thinking book cover

Super Thinking is a comprehensive resource that explains various mental models for problem solving. The book identifies logical fallacies and shows readers how to avoid these pitfalls. The pages also lay out appropriate strategies, tools, techniques to use in different situations, such as matrices, pointed questions, and philosophies. The point of the guide is to teach readers how to evaluate information and make quick yet accurate judgements. The guide helps readers decide the best approach to use for each circumstance. Though packed with information, the pages also contain images and humor that prevent the material from getting too dry. Super Thinking is the ultimate cheat sheet for thinking rationally and acting with intention.

Notable Quote: “Unfortunately, people often make the mistake of doing way too much work before testing assumptions in the real world.”

Read Super Thinking .

Final Thoughts

Problem solving is one of the most essential skills for modern industry. With the breakneck pace at which the current business world changes, there is no shortage of new developments that professionals must contend with on a daily basis. Operating the same way for years at a time is impossible, and it is almost guaranteed that workers at every level will have issues to unravel at some point in their careers.

Books about problem solving help professionals predict, prevent, and overcome issues and find more viable and sustainable solutions. These guides not only provide skills, but also methods for survival in a highly competitive business landscape. These texts show workers that they are more capable than may first appear and that sometimes, seemingly insurmountable obstacles are beatable with a combination of creativity, teamwork, and proper process.

For more ways to beat the odds, check out this list of books on innovation and this list of books on business strategy .

We also have a list of the best communication books .

FAQ: Problem solving books

Here are answers to common questions about problem solving books.

What are problem solving books?

Problem solving books are guides that teach critical thinking skills and strategies for resolving issues. The purpose of these works is to help professionals be more creative and strategic in problem solving approaches.

What are some good problem solving books for work?

Some good problem solving books for work include Sprint by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al, Upstream by Dan Heath, and Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol.

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Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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$49 value at no cost. may as well check it out.

Challenging Math through Captivating Comic Books

Beast Academy guide and practice book open pages

Where to Start: Beast Academy Math Books

Learn math concepts and problem-solving skills through the richly illustrated adventures of four little Beast Academy monsters.

For each unit, there are Guide and Practice materials.

Young child looking at Beast Academy books

  •  The Guide materials provide comprehensive instruction in an engaging, illustrated, comic-style format. The vivid imagery and storylines captivate both the reader and the visual learner, offering strong pedagogical support while heightening student engagement.
  •  The Practice materials contain exercises, problems, and puzzles that reinforce the lessons taught in the Guides. They provide detailed examples and step-by-step solutions that model problem-solving strategies. Many solutions feature more than one approach.

Choosing the Right Level for Your Student

Each level 1-5 is split into four units, A-D. Once a student completes unit D of a level, they are ready to move on to unit A of the next level.

We recommend taking one of our Placement Tests to choose the best level for your student.

New to Beast Academy? The best way to determine your student's starting level is by having them take a Placement Test. We recommend using your child's age to determine which Placement Test to take.

See Placement Tests 

Young girl with eye glasses smiling while doing homework

Gain Problem Solving Tools for School and Life

  • Master Concepts Behind Calculations
  • Uncover Creative Solves
  • Understand the Why and How
  • Advance Exponentially Each Year

Mother with two kids learning Beast Academy outside

Master Concepts Behind Calculations Beast Academy curriculum goes well beyond the basics, teaching students how to think critically and understand the concepts behind the calculations.

Understand the Why and How With a focus on higher-order reasoning, rather than drills and memorization, students develop the foundation they need to master complex problems into the future.

Uncover Creative Solves The Beast Academy universe kindles students' sense of wonder, opening multiple learning avenues that inspire lateral thinking — a hallmark of great problem-solvers.

Advance Exponentially Each Year By tackling increasingly greater challenges, students develop a deeper capacity for learning each year, compounding their ability for growth over time.

Beast Academy Book Curriculum

Books level 1.

Beast Academy Books Level 1 full set

FULL SET - LEVEL 1

  • 4 combined Guide + Practice books (1A-1D)
  • Level 1 does not have separate Guide and Practice books. All of the materials are combined into a single book.

Beast Academy level 1 characters

  • Subtraction

Beast Academy level 1 characters

  • Addition & Subtraction

Beast Academy level 1 characters

  • Big Numbers
  • Measurement
  • Problem Solving

Beast Academy level 1 characters

  • 500+ Brand New Puzzles
  • 12 Favorite Styles
  • Written by US National Puzzle Team competitor

Books Level 2

Beast Academy Books Level 2 full set

FULL SET - LEVEL 2

  • 4 Guide books (2A-2D)
  • 4 Practice books (2A-2D)

Beast Academy level 2 characters

  • Place Value

Beast Academy level 2 characters

  • Expressions

Beast Academy level 2 characters

  • Odds & Evens

Beast Academy level 2 characters

  • 400+ Brand New Puzzles
  • Written by 2011 World Puzzle Champion

Books Level 3

Beast Academy Books Level 3 full set

FULL MATH SET - LEVEL 3

  • 4 Guide books (3A-3D)
  • 4 Practice books (3A-3D)

Beast Academy level 3 characters

  • Skip-Counting
  • Perimeter & Area

Beast Academy level 3 characters

  • Multiplication
  • Perfect Squares
  • The Distributive Property

Beast Academy level 3 characters

Books Level 4

Beast Academy Books Level 4 full set

FULL SET - LEVEL 4

  • 4 Guide books (4A-4D)
  • 4 Practice books (4A-4D)

Beast Academy level 4 characters

  • Probability

Beast Academy level 4 characters

Books Level 5

Beast Academy Books Level 5 full set

FULL SET - LEVEL 5

  • 4 Guide books (5A-5D)
  • 4 Practice books (5A-5D)

Beast Academy level 5 characters

  • Expressions & Equations

Beast Academy level 5 characters

  • Factors & Multiples

Beast Academy level 5 characters

  • Ratios & Rates

Beast Academy level 5 characters

  • Square Roots

How Do BA Books Work With BA Online?

BA Books and BA Online can be used either together or independently. Both the books and BA Online levels cover the same concepts in the same order of units and chapters.

Beast Academy books and online curriculum on a laptop with BA characters

The digital versions of our full-color comic-style Guide books are included in the BA Online platform. But many students like to have the printed versions too. Our black-and-white Practice books are not included in the BA Online platform. They contain completely different problems from the ones found in BA Online.

For these reasons, students often use our online and book formats together as complements. Our suggested planning sequences can help you get started.

Young boy writing on Beast Academy guide book

I couldn't be happier with my child's reaction to this incredible educational resource. He loves the books and reads them even at bedtime. The challenging puzzles and problems in the Practice books are perfect for him. Finally, there is a math program with genuinely intriguing and creative problem sets! I can see the wheels turning and his love of math coming alive again. Kristina I., BA parent

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Best maths books for kids

Best maths activity books for kids

Best Maths Book Ever

(£9.99, DK)

Play times tables tug-of-war, Shape stepper or Slithery sums and learn through rolling dice, moving counters and lifting flaps. This interactive book of maths challenges covers key mathematical concepts for kids aged 5-8 in game form.

Think of a Number

Think of a Number by Johnny Ball

(£8.99, DK)

A classic maths book from veteran children's TV presenter and mathematician Johnny Ball, this is a number-filled read that adults will enjoy as much as children! Crack secret codes, unravel mazes and find out about the simple number puzzles that stumped the world's brainiest mathematicians for centuries. Maths, boring? Not any more!

See Inside Maths

See inside maths

(£9.99, Usborne)

Uncover maths secrets with this colourful lift-the-flap book, aimed at KS2 mathematicians. From numbers, shapes and measuring to fractions, algebra, calculus and pi, abstract mathematical concepts are introduced with visual explanations to help make them meaningful.

The Murderous Maths series

The Murderous Maths series by Kjartan Poskitt

(Scholastic)

Maths "with the laughs added in", the Murderous Maths books will introduce your child to Professor Fiendish, his rotten sidekick Chainsaw Charlie and their foul formulas, terrible take-aways and mind-mashing maths puzzles. A Horrible-Histories approach to numbers that kids love!

You do the Maths: Launch a Rocket into Space

You do the Maths: Launch a Rocket into Space

(£5.99, QED Publishing)

If your child thinks maths has nothing to do with their everyday life, it's time to get them to solve a crime, launch a rocket, design a skyscraper or fly a jet fighter with the help of some numbers and calculations. The comic-strip You Do The Maths books offer real-life and exciting maths challenges, with a glossary to explain new concepts.  

Pop-Up Numbers

Pop-up Numbers by Courtney McCarthy

(£12.95, Thames & Hudson)

Maths pop-ups, pull-outs and puzzles for the KS1 set! Kids aged four and over will love this selection of numerical teasers and a few calculation questions are included in the lovely paper-engineering package.  

This is NOT a Maths Book

This is NOT a Maths Book and This is Not Another Maths Book by Anna Weltman

(£3.99 / £9.99, Ivy Press)

See maths in a whole new light with an art and maths workbook, packed with drawing challenges of a mathematical nature. Maths facts will be revealed as you work with simple geometric patterns and fractal and anamorphic art – there's huge beauty in maths, and maths in beauty.

Marvellous Maths

Marvellous Maths by Jonathan Litton

(£14.99, Templar Publishing)

Clear text, colourful illustrations and fascinating facts combine in this maths book with a difference. Topics range from from the invention of zero to the geometry of a donut and there are lots of hands-on investigations to help put the learning into practice.

Einstein, The Girl Who Hated Maths

Einstein, The Girl Who Hated Maths by John Agard

(£6.99, Hodder Children's Books)

A collection of kids' maths poems from one of Britain's best-known poets, John Agard, filled with delight and silliness and covering decimal points, odd numbers, magic numbers and the counting device used by the Inca, the Quipo.

Train your brain to be a maths genius

Train your brain to be a maths genius

Time to get your brain ready to conquer maths! Activities, challenges and tips and tricks about everything from number systems and primes to logic puzzles and paradoxes and great mathematicians make this a must-read for all number enthusiasts.

Maths on the Go!

Maths on the Go!

(£9.99, Square Peg)

Maths problem-solving gets a fun makeover with 101 easy ideas to help with calculations, fractions, ratio and proportion, time and mesurement and geometry. No expensive kit is required to start engaging with maths!

50 amazing things kids need to know about mathematics

50 amazing things kids need to know about mathematics by Anne Rooney

(£9.99, Sky Pony Press)

Not sure why anyone would ever want to study maths? Well, how about to learn how to bend a building, how to make a ghost, how to solve a crime, how to crack codes, how to contact aliens and even how to get rich... The non-curriculum way to fall in love with maths!

Mathmagicians

Mathmagicians by Johnny Ball

There's more to maths than rows of sums and times tables – maths is a fundamental way to find out how our world works. Perfect proportions, the Fibonacci sequence and the magic of Pi... all will be revealed with the help of mathematical magic (plus a few incredible tricks to amaze friends with!).

The Magic of Maths (Murderous Maths)

The Magic of Maths (Murderous Maths) by Kjartan Poskitt

(£6.99, Scholastic)

Outwit a calculator, perform amazing card tricks and have a go at reading minds... all marvellous maths tricks taught by Murderous Maths author Kjartan Poskitt. Fun illustrations and an irreverent style make these maths tales surprisingly unputdownable.

Easy as Pi

Easy as Pi by Liz Strachan

(£10.99, Robinson)

Clever tricks, weird and wonderful facts and lots of terrible maths jokes – find the fun in numbers with maths teacher Liz Strachan's guide to mathematical concepts from the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence to Pascal's triangle and prime pairs. Bite-sized, simple to understand and really entertaining.

Hooray for Hexagons

Hooray for Hexagons

(£7.99, Buster Books)

Mathematical colouring in introduced with fascinating information about patterns, curves, fractals and spirals (with some impossible objects, tessellating shpea and magical mandalas added in!). A wonderfully hands-on way to learn more about geometry and shapes.

What's the Point of Maths?

What's the Point of Maths?

(£10.59, DK)

Understand how maths has been used throughout human history, grasp the numbers with simple explanations, solve mathematical brainteasers and challenges and discover the secrets of everyday maths with this fascinating, informative guide to numbers. The perfect way to explain how practical and useful maths is in all aspects of our lives, no matter how reluctant the mathematician!

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Child reading maths story book

Friction in business isn’t always bad. Timely intervention can help prevent a Boeing-like mistake

best maths problem solving books

Good morning. Over the long weekend, I read  The Friction Project , a new book out from two of my favorite business school professors, Robert Sutton and Huggy Rao of Stanford. They spent seven years working with companies to remove the bureaucratic sludge that slows down organizations and thus are able to combine the best of academic behavioral science with real world examples.

But what really makes this book compelling is that, while citing pointless and soul-crushing friction as the biggest problem most companies face, it also recognizes that sometimes friction is good. The authors make an example of Google’s Sergey Brin, who rushed Google Glass to market in 2012, only to have it collapse under the weight of hardware and software problems, bad battery life, unresolved privacy issues, and reviews that called it “the worst product of all times.” Some friction would have helped.

So how do you get rid of the bad friction while protecting the good? Some of my takeaways:

Start with self-awareness. CEOs frequently complain that it’s middle management that mucks up execution. But Sutton and Rao found many leaders whose own habits prolonged meetings, wasted time, and misdirected others in countless ways. “If you wield influence over others, you may become oblivious to the inconveniences that you heap on the people below you, and that your organizations heaps on clients and customers.” Best to think of yourself as a steward of your employees’ time, as well as your clients and your customers.

Champion subtraction projects. “Humans default to asking ‘What can I add here?’, not ‘What can I get rid of?’” Friction-fighters create new rituals to ensure the opposite. Have teams identify wasted effort, pointless practices, and unnecessary impediments to action and systematically remove them.

Beware of ‘ coordination neglect.’   People are prone to fixate on their own part of the organization and ignore how the parts need to work together. Sutton and Rao cite Steve Ballmer’s Microsoft as an example: employees throughout the organization were stack ranked, leading to “management by character assassination.” Satya Nadella eliminated the stacked ranking system and encouraged employees to be not “know-it-alls,” but “learn-it-alls.”

Apply ‘good friction’ when needed. The “move fast and break things” approach clearly has its limits — ask anyone at Boeing . Sutton and Rao advise applying friction at key moments, particularly when irreversible and costly decisions are about to be made. One suggestion: take a pause to conduct a “pre-victorem” or a “pre-mortem,” imagining in advance the reasons why your project or product ultimately succeeded or failed.

There’s a lot more in this rich book, and it is presented in an entertaining style. Count it as 2024’s first addition to your canon of business books. More news below.

best maths problem solving books

Alan Murray @alansmurray [email protected]

There’s too much nickel

Australian aid “may not be enough” to save the country’s nickel industry, warns BHP CEO Mike Henry. Australia is considering tax credits and other government support for miners as the industry struggles with a glut of cheap metal from Indonesia. BHP wrote off the entire value of its nickel mine in Western Australia, contributing to an 86% drop in net income for the final six months of 2023. Financial Times  

Capital One wants Discover

Capital One will buy its rival Discover Financial Services for $35 billion. The merger, the largest of the year so far, would create the U.S’s biggest credit card company by loan volume. Buying Discover could help Capital One, which has traditionally focused on subprime consumers, reach more premium customers. Bloomberg

The first major CHIPS Act grant

The U.S. delivered its first major grant of CHIPS Act subsidies, giving $1.5 billion to U.S. chipmaker GlobalFoundries. The company plans to use the money for its project in Malta, N.Y. Chipmakers like TSMC and Intel have delayed plans to start U.S. manufacturing, blaming a sales slump and a lack of skilled labor. Reuters

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Gen Z are treating employers like bad dates: 93% ghost interviews and 87% have not even shown up for their first day of work by Orianna Rosa Royle

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A majority of workers are desperate to upskill, but Gen Z is more likely to head back to the classroom by Emma Burleigh

Why a major Wall Street bank is accused of inventing a fake job title and telling its new ‘head of loan trading’ in Germany never to use it by Prarthana Prakash

German companies are pouring a record amount of investments in the U.S. as Germany’s tight economic relationship with China wobbles by Ryan Hogg

Sanofi CEO: AI promises a great era of drug discovery that could fundamentally change medicine–but only if we allow it to deliver by Paul Hudson

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This is the web version of CEO Daily, a newsletter of must-read insights from Fortune CEO Alan Murray. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.

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COMMENTS

  1. Mathematical Problem Solving Books (22 books)

    A list of good mathematical problem solving books, suitable for High School students. flag All Votes Add Books To This List 22 books · 7 voters · list created February 8th, 2015 by Nick (votes) . Like Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes. People Who Voted On This List (7) Nick 1554 books 8 friends Xhenisa 115 books 31 friends

  2. List of problem books in undergraduate and graduate mathematics

    66 I would like to know some good problem books in various branches of undergraduate and graduate mathematics like group theory, galois theory, commutative algebra, real analysis, complex analysis, topology etc.

  3. Math books

    1.7 Geometry 1.7.1 Getting Started 1.7.2 Intermediate 1.7.3 Olympiad 1.7.4 Collegiate 1.8 Topology 1.8.1 Collegiate 1.9 Inequalities 1.9.1 Intermediate

  4. Recommended Books

    Problem-solving Schools Anyone who thought geometry was boring or dry should prepare to be amazed. Despite its worthy cover this book is exactly what its title says - a story - and the plot of this story involves life, death and revolutions of understanding and belief.

  5. 20 Best Problem Solving Books of All Time

    The 20 best problem solving books recommended by Jason, Alan Eyre, Preston Pysh, Keith Mccullough and David Heinemeier Hansson.

  6. All The Math Books You'll Ever Need (Updated 2023)

    by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson and Ronald L. Rivest Review: Introduction to Algorithms is a distinctly theoretical but all-around comprehensive book. Its use is not only limited to those taking algorithms courses but can also be utilized by anyone as an extensive reference source.

  7. Problem Books in Mathematics

    Alexander Kukush Copyright: 2024 Hard cover eBook Applying Power Series to Differential Equations An Exploration through Questions and Projects Authors: James Sochacki Anthony Tongen Copyright: 2022 Hard cover Soft cover eBook An Excursion Through Partial Differential Equations Authors: Svetlin G. Georgiev Copyright: 2023 Hard cover

  8. Amazon.com: Math Problem Solving: Books

    Becoming a Problem Solving Genius: A Handbook of Math Strategies by Edward Zaccaro 96 Paperback $2053 List: $26.95 FREE delivery on $35 shipped by Amazon. More Buying Choices $2.08 (51 used & new offers) 180 Days of Problem Solving for Third Grade - Build Math Fluency with this 3rd Grade Math Workbook (180 Days of Practice)

  9. The Stanford Mathematics Problem Book: With Hints and Solutions (Dover

    I rated the book as "4 stars" because of my reverence for George Polya. Polya was a great teacher and I have read all of his books. Unfortunately, this book does not teach the art of problem solving. It is simply a collection of interesting and challenging mathematics problems, along with solutions. The problems are very good.

  10. 13+ Best Math Books For Students In 2023

    1. Difficult Concepts Mathematics involves difficult concepts and ideas that can be challenging for students to grasp initially. Concepts such as infinity, limits, and imaginary numbers may seem unfamiliar and difficult to understand without sufficient context or visual representation. 2. Complex Problem Solving

  11. Problem-Solving Strategies (Problem Books in Mathematics)

    Amazon.com: Problem-Solving Strategies (Problem Books in Mathematics): 9780387982199: Engel, Arthur: Books ... This book lacks in that department; however, this book is simply the best book out there for someone trying to prepare for the Olympiad and has already been preparing for it with other more easy books. Read more.

  12. Art of Problem Solving

    Inequalities. Advanced Olympiad Inequalities: Algebraic & Geometric Olympiad Inequalities by Alijadallah Belabess. Inequalities An Approach Through Problems - B. J. Venkatachala. Secrets In Inequalities volume 1 - Basic Inequalities - Pham Kim Hung. Secrets In Inequalities volume 2 - Advanced Inequalities - Pham Kim Hung.

  13. 20 Best Math Books of All Time

    The 20 best math books recommended by Ben Rooney, such as Little Skill Seekers and Kindergarten Math Workbook.

  14. Can you recommend a Maths Book for general Problem Solving?

    836 5 11. Add a comment. 3. I second Kolmin's recommendations especially "The Art and Craft of Problem Solving" by Paul Zeitz. It is a fantastic book. Another book on problem solving, focusing more on ways to think, for solving tough problems, is written by the greatest of them all, namely George Polya. Mathematical Discovery on Understanding ...

  15. 12 Best Problem Solving Books to Read in 2024

    1. Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving by Amy E Herman Fixed is one of the most useful new books on problem solving. The book calls for problem solvers to look beyond instinctual and obvious answers and provides a framework for more creative thinking.

  16. Advanced Math Books for Elementary Students

    Our comic-based math books and puzzles will challenge students in grades 1 to 5. Complete advanced math curriculum with guide books, worksheets, and puzzles. ... Beast Academy Math Books. Learn math concepts and problem-solving skills through the richly illustrated adventures of four little Beast Academy monsters. ... The best way to determine ...

  17. Amazon.com: Mathematical Problem Solving

    Solving Problems in Mathematical Analysis, Part I: Sets, Functions, Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Sequences and Series (Problem Books in Mathematics) Part of: Problem Books in Mathematics (67 books) | by Tomasz Radożycki | Feb 21, 2020. 8.

  18. 20 Best Applied Mathematics Books of All Time

    Machine Learning: An Applied Mathematics Introduction covers the essential mathematics behind all of the most important techniques.Chapter list:Introduction (Putting ML into context. Comparing and contrasting with classical mathematical and statistical modelling)General Matters (In one chapter all of the mathematical concepts you'll need to know.

  19. Math competition books

    1 Elementary school 2 Middle school 3 High school 4 Olympiad 5 Collegiate 6 See also Elementary school Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) publishes two excellent contest problem books. Middle school MathCounts books -- Practice problems at all levels from the MathCounts competition.

  20. Best maths books for kids

    Best Maths Book Ever (£9.99, DK) Play times tables tug-of-war, Shape stepper or Slithery sums and learn through rolling dice, moving counters and lifting flaps. ... Maths problem-solving gets a fun makeover with 101 easy ideas to help with calculations, fractions, ratio and proportion, time and mesurement and geometry. No expensive kit is ...

  21. Books that built your skill of problem-solving as a mathematician

    Which books were instrumental in your skill of problem-solving as a mathematician? Books you can give credit to for becoming what you are today. Maybe you work in a totally unrelated domain or maybe field, at present. But, the skill you learnt has helped you in times of no hope. Sort by: waldosway • 2 yr. ago

  22. A new book argues for good friction in business

    NTSB via Getty Images. Good morning. Over the long weekend, I read The Friction Project, a new book out from two of my favorite business school professors, Robert Sutton and Huggy Rao of Stanford ...