Maths on the Back of an Envelope by Rob Eastaway - Non Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:. Maths on the Back of an Envelope: Clever ways to (roughly) calculate anything by Rob Eastaway Condition: BRAND NEW. Format: Paperback. ISBN: 9780008444495 Overview:. Maths on the Back of an Envelope is a playful, pocket-sized guide to estimation from Rob Eastaway. This paperback invites curious readers to tackle everyday puzzles without a calculator—from estimating the number of cats in the world to gauging lottery odds and how long counting to a million might take. Written with warmth, clarity, and a dash of humor, it turns big questions into approachable experiments you can do with just a pencil and a scrap of paper. Perfect for lifelong learners, students, and anyone who loves practical math in real life. About the Books:. Rob Eastaway’s Maths on the Back of an Envelope demystifies estimation by showing how small, quick checks can unlock surprisingly accurate answers. The book blends bite-sized puzzles with practical tricks, guiding readers to sketch out a rough model of a problem before pulling out a calculator. You’ll encounter lively scenarios—counting wildlife, guessing crowd sizes, comparing travel times, and weighing odds in everyday bets—that demonstrate how numbers behave when you ignore precision for a moment. Eastaway’s voice stays friendly and encouraging, inviting experimentation rather than formula memorization, so readers build confidence alongside curiosity. The tone mixes anecdote, gentle humor, and clear rules of thumb, making it ideal for readers who love science-writing accessible to a broad audience. Although focused on estimation, the book also reveals why certain questions resist neat answers, helping readers discern when quick estimates suffice and when deeper analysis matters. This is more than a collection of party tricks; it’s a mental toolkit for navigating uncertainty. The back-of-envelope approach trains intuition: you’ll learn to check plausibility, compare magnitudes, and judge when an approximate answer is “good enough” for decision-making or conversation. It’s a perfect fit for curious teens and adults alike, teachers seeking a light, engaging classroom resource, or anyone who enjoys seeing math in the wild. With practical exercises and friendly diagrams, it makes estimation feel like play, not homework. Key Benefits:. Engaging, easy-to-follow guide to estimation that makes math practical for everyday life. Compact, portable paperback ideal for commutes, classrooms, or gifting. Filled with anecdotes, quick quizzes, and real-world scenarios that sharpen intuition. Written by an award-winning author known for making maths approachable.. About the Author:. Rob Eastaway is a British author who has spent decades demystifying mathematics for general readers. He co-authored or authored several bestselling titles, including Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and Maths for Mums and Dads, helping families see math as an accessible skill rather than a mystery. Eastaway has lectured widely, contributed to major outlets, and received the Zeeman Medal in 2017 for excellence in promoting mathematics. His writing blends curiosity with practical insight, encouraging readers to question assumptions, test ideas, and enjoy the surprising quirks of numbers in everyday life. Why You’ll Love This Set:. Whether you’re studying for a test, planning a trip, or simply curious about probability, this set helps you think clearly without getting bogged down in equations. You’ll gain practical reasoning skills that transfer to budgeting, quick estimates for everyday tasks, and more engaging math conversations with friends and family. A perfect gift for curious minds.