Book excerpt: Practical Business Statistics, 5/e was written in response to instructors not wanting a formula driven, mathematically encyclopedic book. The use of computer applications means some topics no longer require coverage in detail. This allows future managers to know how to use and understand statistics. The text does this by using examples with real data that relate to the functional areas of business such as finance, accounting, and marketing. It de-emphasizes the theoretical, and presents the material in a well-written, easy style designed to motivate students. The emphasis is on understanding and applications as opposed to mathematical precision and formula detail.