Mortega, Shanen Barbie K.

GED0103-SEC75

The Beauty of Mathematics

Mathematics is not only about the common notion that it is about complicated and
advanced things like geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and a lot of other lessons that requires the
knowledge in math. Mathematics is about beautiful and unexpected patterns that we can find in
numbers. As patterns can be represented in hundreds or even thousands of ways, as to how the
human brain limits it, these different patterns can only be understood if we are able to change our
perspectives. A very common symbol used in mathematics, the equal (=) sign is actually an
analogy of two perspectives expressed in numbers. Mathematics is so broad that there are a lot of
different patterns, thus, different perspectives that is also applicable in human life.

Prior to watching the video, I view mathematics as a mere subject that is required for me
to study to get my degree. I even questioned as to why should I still study math if I am an
International Studies student. Upon understanding the purpose of the video, I learned that math is
not only about numbers or equations, but it is about patterns (even the ones that does not even
require math at all) that every person can find in numbers. I now see math as a part of my
everyday life, even to the simplest thing as my daily routine, there is a pattern as to how I do it.
Thru math as well will I be able to understand more, as there are different patterns for everyone,
thus different perspectives that enables understanding.

In conclusion, as to how I see it, Mathematics as a subject in the academe has a negative
reputation for students. However, if students would see mathematics’ purpose holistically, they
would understand that mathematics isn’t just about numbers and the technical side of it. Even
with minimal knowledge about the difficult side of Math, the basics such as making patterns and
representing them in ways as to how you understand it, taking that perspective and being able to
see as to how others perceive the same pattern in their own perspective, you enable
understanding. Not only for yourself, but when shared, it could also impact a lot of people as
well.

I encourage students like me to think of Math as a subject in which you can find and learn
patterns and represent those patterns in your own perspectives. By doing so, you would be able
to understand not only math, but this world as a whole. Think of what could happen if everyone
of us starts to do things and consider others perspective as well. By changing your perspective,
you would come to understand that there is no universal rule as to what is right or what is wrong,
others just perceive it in a different way.

When I think of Mathematics’ application in my home, there a lot of things for sure.
Starting off, the structure of our house itself includes knowledge and application of mathematics.
Math forges the foundation of buildings as the construction process which is required in building
a home is a mixture of scientific knowledge and math as to how a house should be constructed
for it be actually livable and safe for humans to live in. As I often cook, I apply math in
measuring the amount of ingredients and temperature. Even when I do gardening, there is a
certain suggested amount of water, as well as the time on when to water it, to keep my plants
healthy. Whenever we do groceries, math is used in basic computation and counting. As for the
things that I use at home, as simple as the plates is a part of math as it is shaped like a circle or
even a rectangle. All of these things and actions require mathematical knowledge, even the
simplest ones.

Mathematics can teach us a lot of things. The things I’ve mentioned are just a few.
However, I think that the representation of patterns is the greatest of them all because this allows
us to understand more. This serves as a necessity for us humans and this is also showed in the
video, that in the personal application of what representation of patterns taught to us as humans
is that there are different perspectives, that leads to empathy. If we begin to understand things in
different perspectives, we become empathetic towards others and in doing so, this allows humans
to come together and understand each other. The more empathetic we are, the better the human
race will be, and as unusual this may sound like for others, this is the beauty of Mathematics.