I make card games too.

Some are great for the classroom, and some are just for fun.

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Softcover books can be purchased through Amazon.

  • What is it?

    Math Letters is a small company on a mission to share the beauty of mathematics with a wide audience. We are based in Evanston IL, home of Northwestern University.

  • Who do you do?

    We author math-focused books, videos, and games for kids and adults. Our Math Letters book is aimed at high school/college students, parents, retirees, and anyone with a curious mind. Our workbooks focus on younger students in elementary and middle school.

  • How can I buy your products?

    Some items can be purchased directly from this website. Others are only available through Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find solutions for the Number Mine workbooks?

Please click the desired link below to download the solutions:

100 Number Mine Problems (Addition 1-10)

100 Number Mine Problems (Addition & Subtraction 1-20)

100 Number Mine Problems (Multiplication 1-10)

100 Number Mine Problems (Multiplication & Division 2-99)

100 Number Mine Problems (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, & Division 2-99)

 What mathematical background is required for the Math Letters book?

Most readers are at least high school age with some exposure to simple operations like forming fractions. Having the patience to think through new concepts is much more important than prior math knowledge.

Why should I purchase the Math Letters book?

For younger readers (high school/college): 

Any intellectual endeavor you hope to undertake in the future will require some form of creative problem-solving and logical thinking. At its core, mathematics is a pure exercise in these two critical skill sets.

Even if you are inclined to view math as a cold hard science, remember that the subject is not all numbers and formulas. The concept of infinity, the existence of the prime numbers, and the haunting beauty of chaotic systems can inspire artists, philosophers, and poets alike. 

For adult readers: 

The thrill of learning something new does not dissipate with age. Mathematics is the language of our universe, and many of the topics are truly awe-inspiring.

Is the Math Letters book similar to a traditional textbook?

No. There are plenty of math books that focus on teaching a particular topic through examples and exercises. In contrast, Math Letters strives to pull back the curtain and offer a glimpse of just how fascinating the field can be. In brief, the purpose of Math Letters is not to teach a particular topic, but to spark your curiosity and present new ways of thinking.

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

Yes. If you are an educator who would like to use Math Letters in the classroom please email us at contact@mathletters.com for discount pricing.

What if I'm not very good at math?

There is a prevalent myth, especially in the United States, that some people simply don't "have the brain for math". This belief is generally not true; learning math takes persistence and practice just like anything else. Students do well in the subject if they have the proper encouragement to power through the insecurity caused by confusion. Like most things, hard work is much more important than any perceived natural ability.

That being said, you don't need to be "good" at math to appreciate it—just like you don't have to be a talented artist to appreciate a painting. While each letter will require effort and patience, the ultimate goal is insight and wonder as opposed to computation and memorization.

Can I see example pages from the book?

Sure! Click below to see the first few pages of the selected chapters.

Letter 3: Sum of the First n Integers

Letter 4: Random Sampling

Letter 7: Fractals

How long is the book?

The book is roughly 175 pages. 

What topics are covered in the Math Letters book?

The topics span many disparate branches of mathematics. Here is a sampling: Fractals, chaos, prime numbers, probability, calculus, the concept of infinity, Pascal's triangle, Goldbach's conjecture, Collatz conjecture, irrational numbers, Conway's Game of Life, Buffon's needle problem, normal distribution, Pythagorean theorem, geometric series.

Do you ship outside the US?

The Math Letters softcover book and Number Mine workbooks can be purchased outside the US through Amazon, and the digital Math Letters PDF can be purchased anywhere. 

 

 

About the Founder

W.B. "Wes" Schaefman graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in mathematics and computer science. He also holds a master's degree in statistics from the University of Chicago. Prior to founding Math Letters, he worked as a hedge fund "quant" for many years putting much of what he learned into practice.

He lives with his wife, young son, and very lazy cat. Fun fact: before discovering mathematics, Wes attended culinary school and worked as a line cook. If you're skeptical, just ask him to mince an onion.

Contact

contact@mathletters.com

701 Main St. #6188 Evanston, IL 60204