This dictionary serves as a comprehensive reference tool designed to clarify mathematical terminology, historical figures, and foundational principles for students and general readers. The authors, Jeanne Bendick and Marcia Levin, compile over 2,000 entries to bridge the gap between traditional arithmetic and the evolving concepts of modern mathematics. By integrating biographical sketches with technical definitions, the text provides a contextual framework for understanding how mathematical thought has developed over time.

Experts and educators frequently cite this work as a reliable introductory resource for students navigating the transition to modern mathematical curricula. Readers often note that the inclusion of biographical data provides a helpful human element to otherwise abstract numerical concepts.