Life of Fred Five Days is the fourth book in the overall Life of Fred University Math series, or the second book in the University Math Set 2 series. This book acts as a sampler of advanced math for students who want to preview courses they want to take later. Featuring real math problems that give students a chance to solve puzzles rather than simply compute answers or learn procedures, this book give students an opportunity to create definitions, theorems, and proofs. Students will work through five days of Fred's adventures within four math subjects: set theory, modern algebra, abstract arithmetic, and topology. Each of the 139 assignments/puzzles/questions requires creativity rather than doing drill work and will take various lengths of time, from a minute to multiple hours.
Concepts covered include: cardinality of a set, set builder notation, normal sets, six properties of equality, formal definition of a binary operation, formal definition of a function, definition of a group, circular definitions, unary operations, the successor function, natural numbers, open sets, the discrete topology, the three axioms of a topology, and more.
Life of Fred is a unique, complete (not supplemental), math program that uses a highly engaging narrative to teach math without fear and with enjoyment. Students follow the life of Fred Gauss (a math professor who grows up to the age of six), who has many humorous, unlikely, and zany adventures over the course of the curriculum. Math becomes relevant and important because the need for math occurs in Fred's life (and he sees math everywhere). Witty and truly entertaining, these books will engage students in a way unlike any other math program - --while also instilling a solid understanding of the principles of mathematics without an abundance of repetitive drills. This series is perfect for inquisitive students who struggle with the relevance of math, or anyone looking for a creative approach to mathematic thinking!
208 pages, indexed; hardcover, non-consumable textbook with Smyth-sewn binding. Students write their answers on separate paper.
