Teen publishes math reference book using well-known aviation concept

Katarina Costa might be only 17 years old, but she has just released her first book, “Math QRH.”

She uses an aviation concept — Quick Reference Handbook, well-known to jet pilots — to help people do better with mathematics and STEM.

In the cockpit of jet aircraft, pilots rely on a QRH to help them access information quickly to complete a flight safely. The QRH in the cockpit of jet aircraft does not replace the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) or the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) but compliments these resources.

Math QRH does the same thing, according to Costa. It allows the reader to quickly locate key math concepts in note form. Students can focus on learning the course content with a solid set of class notes to start with, and plenty of additional space in the book to add their own notes, she noted.

The concepts in mathematics are more important than memorizing every detail, yet as students move into advanced math and STEM courses they must rely on their knowledge of what they learned in previous classes, she said.

“Taking great notes is essential to doing well in mathematics and STEM”, says Katarina. “I have always benefited from excellent notes in my classes. My goal with Math QRH is to share these notes so that others can be successful as well.”

Katarina is the founder and president of the first high school chapter for the Association for Women in Mathematics. She attends the Davidson Academy in Reno, Nevada, and is a dual enrollment student (high school and college), and will graduate with a AS in Mathematics.

She is planning future editions to include contributions from educators and students. “Please share your notes and your comments with me,” she said.

Costa is offering a free evaluation e-version of the book to any professional or educator. For all others, the hardback book is $99.

For more information, go to MathQRH.com