The overarching goal of these features is to show that mathematics is not just a collection of rigid rules, but a for understanding the underlying patterns and logic of the world.

: Integrated throughout the text, these boxes offer practical advice on how to approach mathematical thinking and overcome common hurdles in the learning process.

: The book uses diverse and sometimes unexpected topics to show math's relevance, such as: Modeling coronavirus cases. Tracking student-loan debt. Analyzing the time breakdown for an average NFL broadcast.