Frequently Asked Questions

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.