NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
What is Math?
Nocon & Nocon (2016) as cited in Piramide (2018) defined
mathematics as a set of problem-solving tools, a language, a process of
thinking, a study of patterns, and an art. Mathematics involves the study of
numbers and arithmetic operations. It is also a set of tools that can be used
to answer questions involving quantities. Moreover, mathematics is a
science that involves logical reasoning, drawing conclusions from assumed
premises and strategic reasoning based on accepted rules, laws and
probabilities. It is an art which studies different kinds and patterns. Lastly,
it is a specialized language that deals with form, size and quantity.
NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
What is it about?
Mathematics is about numbers, symbols, and notations. We
basically associate numbers with mathematics. More than that,
math is also about operations, equations and functions. It about
process and “thingification” of processes. It is about writing
proofs that tells a convincing story rather than a sequence of
statements (Piramide, 2018).
NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
Where is Math?
Mathematics is found everywhere. We see hints of it in nature, in
our daily routine, in our work, in people and communities and in events
(Piramide, 2018).
What is it for?
Mathematics helps us put order in disorder. Also, it helps us in
making decisions wisely. It helps us become better person and it makes
the world a better place to live in (Piramide, 2018).
NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
Who uses Math?
Everyone uses math. But different people use different mathematics
at different times for different purposes using different tools with different
attitudes (Piramide, 2018).
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
The application of mathematical methods in different fields such as
science, engineering, business, computer science, and industry is a
combination of mathematical science and specialized knowledge. For
example, statistics, combinatorics, and graph theory are used by
investigators to solve crimes.
Other applications of mathematics are in forensic science, medicine,
engineering, information technology, cryptography, archeology, social
sciences, political science and other fields.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
• Let’s take a look on the application of mathematics in different disciplines:
1. Forensic Science
In this field, mathematics is applied specifically the differential and
integral calculus to clarity the blurred image to clear image.
2. Medicine
In this field, much of a function of a protein is determined by its
shape and how the pieces move. Many drugs are designed to change the
shape or motions of a protein by modelling using geometry and related
areas.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
3. Fluid Dynamics
In this field, engineers use numerical analysis in phenomena
involving heat, electricity, and magnetism, relativistic mechanics,
quantum mechanics, and other theoretical constructs.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
4. Information Technology
In this field, modern computers are invented thru the help of mathematics. An
important area of applications of mathematics is in the development of formal
mathematical theories related to the development of computer science. Computer
science development includes logic, relations, functions, basic set theory, counting
techniques, graph theory, combinatorics, discrete probability, recurrence relations,
and number theory, computer- oriented numerical analysis, Operation Research
techniques (Simulation, Monte Carlo Program, Evaluation Research Technique,
Critical Path Method). Just like Google, they use linear algebra to set itself apart
from the other search engines by its ability to quantify “relevance” with the help of
mathematics. On the other hand, Facebook uses graph theory to create links between
individuals.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
5. Cryptography
It is a combination of both mathematics and computer science and
is affiliated closely with information theory, computer security and
engineering. It is used in applications present in technologically advanced
societies; examples include the security of ATM cards, computer
passwords and electronic commerce.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
6. Archaeology
In this field, archeologists use a variety of mathematical and
statistical techniques to present the data from archeological surveys and
try to find patterns to shed light on past human behavior and in carbon
dating artifacts.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
7. Social Sciences
This field, such as economics, sociology, psychology, and
linguistics all now make extensive use of mathematical models, using the
tools of calculus, probability, game theory, and network theory. In
economics, mathematics such as matrices, probability and statistics are
used. The models may be stochastic, linear or non-linear, static or
dynamic, continuous or discrete, and all types of algebraic, differential,
difference and integral equations arise for the solution of these models.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
8. Political Science
In this area, political analysts study past election results to see
changes in voting patterns and the influence of various factors on voting
behavior, on switching of votes among political parties and mathematical
models for Conflict Resolution using Game Theory and Statistics.
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
9. Music and Arts
Here, the rhythm that we find in all music notes is the result of
innumerable permutations and combinations. Music theorists understand
musical structure and communicate new ways of hearing music by applying
set theory, abstract algebra, and number theory. It is said that the universe is
written in the language of mathematics, and its characters are triangles,
circles, and other geometric figures. New forms of arts were also based in
some mathematical structures. The old Gothic Architecture was based on
geometry and even the Egyptian Pyramids architecture and engineering,
were based on mathematics.
