I'll Take Half: A Mathematical Enrichment Story

This book is written for elementary school students in fourth through sixth grade to enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts. Also, it can be a valuable resource for teachers to supplement the math curriculum in those grades. Math topics are presented by engaging the reader in a fantasy story. Building on the mathematics already learned in elementary school, the story enhances the student's understanding of general mathematical ideas of equality, congruence, symmetry, and uniqueness and also introduces mathematical reasoning. It is a story within a story that will surprise the reader, showing outcomes that are contrary to the reader's preconceived ideas. The examples give readers a clearer understanding of the mathematical concepts and challenge their thinking. Throughout the story are arithmetic and geometry results that readers can choose to verify or not, depending on their knowledge and interests. This allows students to follow the story at different levels. The book also provides preface and postscript sections, specifically written for parents, teachers, and advanced students to augment the material presented in the story and to help discuss the concepts in greater depth with the student.