Mathematics for our world | Ana Leizel D.

Dedase

Topic: MATHEMATICS FOR OUR WORLD

Learning Objectives:
1.) Appreciate the nature and uses of mathematics in everyday life
2.) Express appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavor.

Lesson proper:

What is mathematics?
(Hamming, 1980. P.83)
Perhaps the best way to approach the question of what mathematics is, is to start at the
beginning. In the far distant, prehistoric past, where we must look for the beginnings of mathematics,
there were already four major faces of mathematics. First, there was the ability to carry of the long
chains of close reasoning that to this day characterize much of mathematics. Second, there was
geometry, leading through the concept of continuity to topology and beyond. Third, there was a
number, leading to arithmetic, algebra, and beyond. Finally, there was artistic taste, which plays so
large a role in modern mathematics. [….]

What is mathematics?
Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us to understand the world around us. Now,
much more than arithmetic and geometry, mathematics today is a diverse discipline that deals with
data, measurements and observations from science, with inference, deduction, and proof; and with
mathematical models of natural phenomena, of human behavior and of social systems.

What is mathematics education for?

(Dudley, 2010. P.613)
What mathematics education is for is not for jobs. It is to teach the race to reason. It does not,
heaven knows, always succeed, but it is the best method that we have. It is not the only road to goal,
but there is none better.

MATHEMATICS FOR OUR WORLD

Mathematics for organization

A lot of events happen around us. In the blink of an eye, several children have already
been born, liters of water have been consumed or thousands of tweets have been posted. For
us to make sense of all available information, we need mathematical tools to help us make
sound analysis and better decisions. For instance, a particular store can gather data on the
shopping habits of its customers and make necessary adjustments to help drive sales.
Scientists can plot bird migration routes to help conserve endangered animal populations.
Social media analysts can crunch online postings using software to gauge the netizen’s
sentiments on particular issues or personalities. Software can generate a map of words that
are most talked about in social media. The bigger the front, the more citizens are talking about
the concept or topic.

Mathematics for Prediction

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use mathematical
models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretations, we can also use them to
 Mathematics for our world | Ana Leizel D. Dedase

make predictions. Applying the concept of probability, experts can calculate the chance of an
event occurring. The weather is a prime example. Based on historical patterns,
meteorologists can make forecasts to help us prepare for our day-to-day activities. They can
also warn us of weather disturbances that can affect our activities for weeks or months.
Astronomers also use patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers or eclipses. In
2017, announcements were made about heavenly phenomena such as the Draconid Meteor
Shower and “The Great American Eclipse”. They were able to tell when these phenomena
would occur and where would be the best places to view them.

Mathematics for control

There seems to be an underlying mathematical structure in the way that natural objects
and phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a single snapshot, videographers
could record events as they unfold. Painters and sculptors could create masterpieces in
interpreting their surroundings, poets could use beautiful words to describe an object, and
musicians could capture and reproduce sounds that they bear. These observations of nature, as
well as their interactions and relationships, could be more elegantly described by means of
mathematical equations. As stated by astrophysicist Brian Greene, “With a few symbols on a page,
you can describe a wealth of physical phenomena.”
There have been instances when a natural phenomenon has been speculated
to exist because mathematics says so but no hard evidence has been found to support
its existence. Such phenomena were proven to exist only when advancements in
technology have allowed us to expand our horizons. For example, in 1926, Albert
Einstein hypothesized the existence of gravitational waves based on his theory of
general relativity. This is when “ripples” are formed in the fabric of space-time due to
large and violent cosmic events, very much like when pebble is thrown on a stagnant
pond. About a hundred years later, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave
Observatory (LIGO) announced that it found evidence of this phenomenon. Through
the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself and effects of
nature. The threat of climate change and global warming has been subject of much
debate over the years. It is believed that unless man changes his behavior, patterns
are said to indicate that sea level could rise to catastrophic levels as polar caps melt
due to indicate in global temperatures. To ensure that greenhouse gas concentrations
in the atmosphere are kept at levels that would not interfere with the climate system,
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) was signed
in 1992 and has 197 parties as of December 2015.

Mathematics is indispensable
Mathematics plays a huge role in the underpinnings of our world. We have
seen it in living creatures and natural phenomena. We have also looked at
examples of how mathematical concepts could be applied. Whether you are
on your way to becoming a doctor, an engineer, an entrepreneur, or a chef, a
knowledge of mathematics will be helpful. At the most basic level, logical
reasoning and critical thinking are crucial skills that are needed in any
endeavor. As such, the study of mathematics should be embraced as it paves
the way for more educated decisions and in a way, brings us closer to
understanding the natural world.
 Mathematics for our world | Ana Leizel D. Dedase

Mathematics describes the real world of atoms and acorns, stars and stairs, with remarkable
precision. So, is mathematics invented by humans just like chisels and hammers and pieces of music?
Or is mathematics discovered – always out there, somewhere, like mysterious islands waiting to be
found? Whenever mathematics is will help define reality itself.

References:
• Aufman, R. et. Al. (2008). Mathematics in the Modern World. Rex Bookstore, Inc., Sampaloc,
Manila Philippines
• Hersch, R. (n.d.) What is mathematics really?
• Sobecki, et.al. (n.d.) Math in our World