The Math Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

See how math's infinite mysteries and beauty unfold in this captivating educational book!

Discover more than 85 of the most important mathematical ideas, theorems, and proofs ever devised with this beautifully illustrated book. Get to know the great minds whose revolutionary discoveries changed our world today.


You don't have to be a math genius to follow along with this book! This brilliant book is packed with short, easy-to-grasp explanations, step-by-step diagrams, and witty illustrations that play with our ideas about numbers.

What is an imaginary number? Can two parallel lines ever meet? How can math help us predict the future? All will be revealed and explained in this encyclopedia of mathematics.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

The Math Book tells the exciting story of how mathematical thought advanced through history. This diverse and inclusive account will have something for everybody, including the math behind world economies and espionage.

This book charts the development of math around the world, from ancient mathematical ideas and inventions like prehistoric tally bones through developments in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Fast forward to today and gain insight into the recent rise of game and group theory.

Delve in deeper into the history of math:

- Ancient and Classical Periods 6000 BCE - 500 CE
- The Middle Ages 500 - 1500
- The Renaissance 1500 - 1680
- The Enlightenment 1680 - 1800
- The 19th Century 1800 - 1900
- Modern Mathematics 1900 - Present

The Series Simply Explained

With over 7 million copies sold worldwide to date, The Math Book is part of the award-winning Big Ideas Simply Explained series from DK Books. It uses innovative graphics along with engaging writing to make complex subjects easier to understand.