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Millions, Billions, Zillions
Defending Yourself in a World of Too Many Numbers
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by big numbers and their implications in everyday life. It offers clear explanations and engaging insights into how these massive figures influence science, nature, and our understanding of the world. Perfect for readers who appreciate approachable science writing that makes complex concepts accessible and intriguing.
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See moreAn essential guide to recognizing bogus numbers and misleading dataNumbers are often intimidating, confusing, and even deliberately deceptive-especially when they are really big. The media loves to report on millions, billions, and trillions, but frequently makes basic mistakes or presents such numbers in misleading ways. And misunderstanding n
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
An essential guide to recognising bogus numbers and misleading data: Numbers are often intimidating, confusing, and even deliberately deceptive—especially when they are really big. The media loves to report on millions, billions, and trillions, but frequently makes basic mistakes or presents such numbers in misleading ways.
Misunderstanding numbers can have serious consequences, since they can deceive us in many of our most important decisions, including how to vote, what to buy, and whether to make a financial investment. In this short, accessible, enlightening, and entertaining book, leading computer scientist Brian Kernighan teaches anyone—even diehard math-phobes—how to demystify the numbers that assault us every day.
With examples drawn from a rich variety of sources, including journalism, advertising, and politics, Kernighan demonstrates how numbers can mislead and misrepresent. In chapters covering big numbers, units, dimensions, and more, he lays bare everything from deceptive graphs to speciously precise numbers. He shows how anyone—using a few basic ideas and lots of shortcuts—can easily learn to recognise common mistakes, determine whether numbers are credible, and make their own sensible estimates when needed.
Giving you the simple tools you need to avoid being fooled by dubious numbers, Millions, Billions, Zillions is an essential survival guide for a world drowning in big—and often bad—data.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Millions, Billions, Zillions by Brian W. Kernighan is praised for its approachable style and insightful guidance on navigating the often-misleading world of numbers. Kernighan is commended for his ability to distil complex mathematical issues into understandable concepts, making the book engaging and practical. Reviewers recommend it as both entertaining and educational, highlighting its effectiveness in helping readers develop a healthy skepticism and understanding of numerical claims.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691182773
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 06 November 2018
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Illustration: 30 b/w illus.
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 114.0mm
Height: 191.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 176
About the Author
Brian W. Kernighan is professor of computer science at Princeton University. His many books include Understanding the Digital World: What You Need to Know about Computers, the Internet, Privacy, and Security (Princeton). He lives in Princeton, New Jersey.
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Millions, Billions, Zillions
Numbers are often intimidating, confusing, and even deliberately deceptive—especially when they are really big. The media loves to report on millions, billions, and trillions, but frequently makes basic mistakes or presents such numbers in misleading ways. Misunderstanding numbers can have serious consequences, as they can deceive us in many of our most important decisions, including how to vote, what to...Paperback$4999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
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