Author's message
In the world, a type of mathematics that prioritizes thinking and reasoning, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and arithmetic, was taught in the United States and many European countries after the 1950s. This type of mathematics was called New Maths.
However, just as traditional mathematics reached the point of memorizing and calculating without really understanding, new mathematics also reached the other extreme. This other extreme was where people wandered in the realm of thought and could no longer even use traditional methods of calculation, such as finding square roots and looking at tables. In cartoons at that time, the little boy knew that 1 + 2 was the same as 2 + 1. But he was ridiculed for not knowing that 1 + 2 is 3.
Then, various modifications were made to the new mathematics to allow for the equal use of traditional calculation methods and thinking techniques.
Our teachers in Myanmar, U Ba Tok and U Ko Lay, were aware of the new mathematics curriculum changes around the world around 1960. However, at that time, even in other countries around the world, they thought it was too early to change the new mathematics curriculum in Myanmar, which was controversial. Since 1967, new mathematics has been taught in universities and colleges in Myanmar at the first year level. This gradual change has been made, and now, starting from the primary level, new mathematics concepts are gradually being introduced.
However, no one knows yet how much philosophy and how much memorization should be taught at which level.
The goal of the new mathematics that is emerging today is to see traditional mathematical methods with new perspectives and to use memorization and reasoning in a balanced way.
This book is a compilation of comic math articles written in the beauty magazine from 1985 to 1987 to provide children with both mathematical knowledge and entertainment.
May all children and those seeking mathematical knowledge read this book, gain knowledge, and be entertained.
I would also like to thank Saya U Aung Thaung, who helped me when I originally wrote in the beauty magazine.
Dr. Khin Maung Win
