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Jamie Gou
Prof. Canapa
English 104, Section 16
September 22, 2016
Beauty and Equality in Mathematics
Mathematics is the most beautiful and most powerful creation of the human spirit--Stefan Banach
People can never separate math from beauty and equality. Augustine stated that those equality
resides in are immutable and eternal (Quoted in Scarry 28). Equality always results in
symmetry because two sides of the equation must be identical to make it work. Math is beautiful
not only for its external and internal symmetry, but also for being a tool to determine what is
truly equal and fair in society.
The beauty of symmetry can be found in geometry and function. In geometry, symmetry
is simply a feature of particular shapes, and there are symmetry operations which mirror images
to make them symmetrical (Symmetry 1). Mathematicians can make beautiful symmetrical
image by simply reflecting them via X-axis or Y-axis. Symmetry can not only be found in
geometry but also in function. Many symmetrical graphs are found, such as parabolas, algebraic
functions and normal distribution functions. Normal distribution and quadratic equations are
always symmetrical no matter how you change parameters, because parameters could only
control the shape of the graph, not its symmetrical quality. Besides complex functions, any set of
numbers could be considered to be symmetrical as well, because there is always a middle point.

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Symmetry is everywhere in math, from a simple number, a simple circle or a rectangle, to a

complex function.
Symmetry does not only externally exist in math, but also internally. The symmetry of
beauty inspires and assists us to discover, and eventually it leads us to find justice (Scarry 281).
Two essential mathematical theorems were discovered with assistance of symmetry. The first
discovery is the Euler number. It was defined as Taylor coefficients and count alternating
permutations in the symmetric group (Josuat-Vergs 1). This number is a key element in infinite
theory and calculus.
The second discovery is natural exponential function with an astounding property that is
its own derivative, or slope function (Stewart 397). The natural exponential function is
symmetrical in a special way. Think if derivative is a mathematical magic camera which can
recognize true personalities of functions, exponential is the only function that remains the same.
Therefore, the outfit and core of natural exponential function are symmetrical. If I will define
justice, it is a natural exponential function. Justice might appear in different forms, but, no matter
how deep you get in, it remains the same. Symmetry and equality in math inspire people to think
consider justice is.
Math is beautiful because it presents in beautiful things including musical notes, pictures
and nature. Scarry stated, At still other times on the creative act that is prompted by ones being
in the presence of what is beautiful (280). Music can be analyzed and illustrated with logarithm
functions. Pleasant music always has regular and symmetrical logarithm function graphs, while
noise usually has irregular logarithm function graphs. Math is sometimes in art as well. The
structures of art projects are usually proportional. The golden ratio of beauty is also characterized
as an irrational number, (1.61803) which can be derived from Fibonaccis sequence (Mlacker

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828). Math is also indispensable in nature, especially in natural growth and decay. Thus,
mathematics is beautiful for presenting in beautiful creations.
Math assists people to think logically, as Scarry said that Beautiful things give rise to the
notion of distribution, to a lifesaving reciprocity, to fairness not just in the sense of loveliness of
aspect but in the sense of a symmetry of everyones relation to one another (Scarry 280). Math
helps people understand and deal with trade-offs, margin and reciprocity. The fifth principle in
economics about reciprocity is that trade can make everyone better off (Mankiw 10).
Math serves as a tool to determine equality in the world every moment and every place. It
makes marketing and business possible. It promotes harmony in the society. For example,
rational customers usually have an equation in their minds when they shop, so they may make a
deal when they think it is worth the price. There, money is used as measurement. Without money,
equality cannot be secured during a trade, and trading market will be chaotic. Mathematical
equality can help people solve many social issues especially when it comes to deal with trade or
finance. Equality creates harmony in markets, and as a result, it helps to create a better society.
Equality can be somewhat different from justice, but it is closely related to justice. The
lack of equality can cause social injustice from time to time. For example, females and males are
not paid equally. What is really missing in those situations is math. With statistics, governments
around the world calculate and levy tax to build up social wellness system to improve fairness
and justice. Therefore, some social injustice could be solved simply with math.
In conclusion, mathematics is a beautiful masterpiece with equality and symmetry
residing inside. As small and simple as a number, and as large and complicated as a function
people can find symmetry in math. Mathematics are also key elements in beautiful things such as

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art, music and nature. Mathematics do not only provide itself as a tool for people to measure and
study other subjects, but also teach people how to make reciprocity and trade fairly. These
internal and external symmetries residing in math inspire people to discover and create social
equality and justice which make the world a better place.

Works Cited

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Josuat-Vergs, Matthieu. "A Generalization Of Euler Numbers To Finite Coxeter Groups."

Annals Of Combinatorics, 2015 325-336. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Sept.
2016.
Mankiw, N. Gregory. Principles of Economics. 6th ed. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage
Learning, 2012. Print
Mlacker, Stephanie, et al. "The Golden Ratio Of Beauty-A Hidden Treasure." JAMA
Dermatology 152.7 (2016): 828. MEDLINE Complete. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.
"Symmetry." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia (2016): 1p. 1. Funk & Wagnalls New
World Encyclopedia. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.
Stewart, James. Calculus. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2003. Print.
Scarry, Elaine. From On Beauty and Being Just. Reading the World: Ideas That Matter. 3rd ed.
Ed. Michael Austin. New York: Norton 2015. 279-284. Print.
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