Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson 3 Mathematics for Our World

We have seen in the preceding lesson how evident mathematics is in the natural world,
specifically in how the patterns that we observe in nature follow logical and mathematical
structures. It is, therefore, important that we learn mathematical concepts and apply them in solving
society problems.

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 instances, 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 all online
posting using software to argue the citizen’s sentiments on particular issues or personalities.

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 make
predictions. Applying the concept of probability, expects 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 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 Draconoid 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

We have demonstrated by means of examples around us that patterns are definitely present
in the universe. There seems to be an underlying mathematical structure in the way that natural
objects and phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a single moment through a
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 sound that they hear. 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.”
It is interesting then to ponder on how mathematics, an invention of the human mind,
seems to permeate the natural laws that hold the universe together. There have been instances
when a natural phenomenon has been speculated to exist because mathematics says so but no hard
evidence
have 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 1916, 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 a 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 the
effects of nature. The threat of climate change and global warming has been the subject of much
debate over the years. It is believed that unless man changes his behavior, patterns are said to
indicate that sea levels could rise to catastrophic levels as the polar caps melt due to the increase 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
In this topic, it was highlighted how 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.