You may or may not agree with this statement, but I hope that reading and solving problems from this book will help you appreciate mathematics just a little bit (or a lot) more.
Why are you reading this text?
Most likely you are reading it because it was assigned to you. Regardless, I’m glad you’re still reading. But the attitude you have when you read will determine the amount of learning you will get. Each day, try to approach with a fresh mind. Rather than the typical “Ugh, math homework”, approach with curiosity, thinking, “Hmm, how can I enhance my education today?”
A comment on the writing: I’m not a great writer. Sure, there was a time when I thought about writing the great American novel (actually the great screenplay), but I know that I ain’t write real good. My grammar is poor, my punctuation is somewhat random, and I don’t edit my work as much as I should. But, I think my writing is very readable. It’s meant to be conversational, like a friend is talking to you about math. How many friends do you have that would talk to you about math? Well, now you have at least one.
Many mathematicians will have issues with my laxness of definitions, notation, and/or inconsistencies. To them, I say, “Hey! You got issues with me? We’ll settle this outside of school. 3 o’clock, bike racks.”
In this casual tone, using some language that you crazy kids might use in conversation, I hope that you are not offended by my occasional irreverence. My attempts at humor can sometimes overshadow thoughtfulness. Mea culpa.
But, hey, enough of my yakkin’. Let’s boogie.
