Zero-th Blog

Jennifer Nolan
0-th Blog
MTH495 - Golden


What is math? This answer will change dependent on who you ask, but since you've asked me, I will respond with my own opinion. Math is operations, math is numbers, math is shapes, math is patterns, and sometimes, math is hard. Math is all about applying the skills you've learned through your experiences with problem solving to come up with answers to specific questions. Math is all around us - it's in grocery stores, it's in finances, it's everywhere. People use math without even thinking that they are using math. If you are driving the speed limit on the freeway, how long will it take you to drive 70 miles? Some people might struggle with this question, making it more difficult than it needs to be. The answer is simple! If the speed limit is 70 mph, then you probably can drive 70 miles in about an hour. I'm sure people wouldn't think of miles per hour as a ratio, but it is. I told you, math is everywhere!

What are the top 5 biggest moments or discoveries in math? When I read this question, I think of math concepts that everyone is somewhat familiar with if they have any mathematical experience, and things that are used quite frequently in the life of someone using math.

  1. Pythagorean Theorem
  2. Imaginary Numbers
  3. Simple Mathematical Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division)
  4. SohCahToa
  5. Volume of a 3-D object
Many people might argue that there are more important discoveries in math, which there probably are - but these mathematical discoveries were very prevalent in my experience with math along with many others. This is why I chose these 5 concepts as the biggest moments in mathematics.

Comments

  1. John GoldenSeptember 17, 2017 at 5:51 PM

    Sorry it took too long to get here! I like that you slid from math is definition, to math is . Most people don't know what math is, but they do know they don't like it.

    ReplyDelete

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