200% of Nothing : An Eye-Opening Tour through the Twists and Turns of Math Abuse and Innumeracy

Acclaim for "In today's world, 'innumeracy' is an even greaterdanger than illiteracy, and is perhaps even more common.Advertisers and politicians exploit it; intellectuals (self-styled)even flaunt it. I hope that this wise and witty book will providecures where they are possible, and warnings where they arenecessary. "It's also a lot of fun. I can guarantee that 100%."--Arthur C.Clarke "Dewdney retells with charm and wit magnificent morsels ofmathematical mayhem discovered by his army of volunteer 'abusedetectives.' From 'sample trashing' to 'numerical terrorism,' from'percentage pumping' to 'dimensional dementia,' 200% of Nothingplumbs the depths of innumeracy in daily life and reveals whatordinary people can do about it. A rich, readable, instructive, and persuasive book."--Lynn ArthurSteen, Professor of Mathematics, St. Olaf College