This book offers a new look at maths without the Boring Bits.. . How many trillions are there in a googol? Which fractions are vulgar? What famous mathematician refused to eat beans? & which one never travelled without his pet spider in an ivory box? Mathematical theorems & equations are inextricably entangled with the great & often eccentric thinkers who made breakthrough discoveries. Teacher & numbers expert Liz Strachan takes readers beyond the classroom combining anecdotes proofs & party tricks to reveal the foundations of algebra geometry & trigonometry in a clear & entertaining style. From the Difference Engine to magic squares & from the Fibonacci rabbits to Fermats Last Theorem this fascinating tour of the weird world of numbers imaginary real or infinite will appeal to anyone with an enquiring mind.