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Mathematics is a methodical application of matter.

It is so said because the subject makes a man


methodical or systematic. Mathematics makes our life orderly and prevents chaos. Certain qualities that
are nurtured by mathematics are power of reasoning, creativity, abstract or spatial thinking, critical
thinking, problem-solving ability and even effective communication skills.

Mathematics is the cradle of all creations, without which the world cannot move an inch. Be it a cook or
a farmer, a carpenter or a mechanic, a shopkeeper or a doctor, an engineer or a scientist, a musician or a
magician, everyone needs mathematics in their day-to-day life. Even insects use mathematics in their
everyday life for existence.

Architecture
When an architect designs a structure only then can construction workers make it habitable.
Geometry, algebra, and trigonometry all play a crucial role in architectural design. Architects apply
these math forms to plan their blueprints or initial sketch designs. They also calculate the probability
of issues the construction team could run into.

The Golden Ratio serves as a basic geometric principle in architecture. It could even be called a
timeless archetype, as it evokes in human beings a universal sense of harmony when they see or stand
in a building designed with this principle.

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Architects use trigonometry to calculate structural load, roof slopes, ground surfaces and many other
aspects, including sun shading and light angles.

Navigation
Trigonometry is used :

 To set directions such as the north , south, east and west, it tells us what
direction to take with the compass to get on a straight path.
 In navigation in order to pinpoint a location
 To find the distance of the shore from a point in the sea
 To see the horizon.

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Metrology
Mathematics plays an important role in the science of metrology. Mathematical models are needed
to understand how to design effective measurement systems, and to analyze the results they produce.
Mathematical techniques are used to develop and analyze idealized models of physical phenomena
to be measured, and mathematical algorithms are necessary to produce practical solutions on modern
computing devices. Finally, mathematical and statistical techniques are needed to transform the
resulting data into useful information.

Physics
The mathematical concept of function is used in physics to represent different physical quantities. For
example, the air pressure variation with time and space is called an acoustic wave. We use a function
to represent a charge distribution (or even electric field strength) in space and time. In gravitation we
use it to represent a mass distribution (and momentum distribution) in space and time. Most of the
time a variety of mathematically well defined operations are done on these functions to make some
conclusions and to answer some questions regarding a physical system. Even the fundamental laws of
physics give the mathematical relation between functions representing different physical quantities.

The equation of a progressive harmonic wave travelling along positive direction of x-axis is

𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝑎 sin(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

where,
a is the amplitude of the wave
k is the angular wave number
ω is the angular frequency

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In physics, trigonometry is required:

 To find the components of vectors


 To model the mechanics of waves (physical and electromagnetic) and oscillations
 To sum the strength of fields
 In calculating cross and dot products of vector physical quantities
 Also to deriving various quantities in projectile motion

In physics, calculus is needed t o define, explain, and calculate motion, electricity, heat, light,
harmonics, acoustics, astronomy, and dynamics. Einstein's theory of relativity also relies on calculus.

Applications of vectors in physics:

 Vectors represent many physical quantities such as position, displacement, velocity,


acceleration, force, impulse, dipole moment, electric and magnetic fields, moment of inertia,
torque and momentum.
 The direction of vectors is often required to derive complete results.
 They are applied in various fields like kinematics, mechanics and electromagnetism.

 Vector algebra is used to find, for example, the components of force, the velocity of objects
displacing in a frame of reference, the electric or magnetics fields.

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Complex numbers are broadly used in physics, normally as a calculation tool that makes things easier
due to Euler's formula. In the end of calculation, only the real component has a physical meaning or
the two parts (real and imaginary) are treated separately as real quantities. In quantum mechanics,
the imaginary unit i appears explicitly in its fundamental equations.

Measuring Distances
If the distance from an observation point to a tall tower and the angle of elevation are known then we
can find the height of the tower by using the tangent function. Let the distance of a tower from an
observation point be d and the angle of elevation from same point be θ, then we can find the height
of the tower h by,

tan 𝜃 =
𝑑
Similarly, if we know the height of a tower and angle of depression then we can find the distance from
the tower.

Trigonometry is used in:

 Measuring the height of mountains


 Determining the distance of shore from the sea
 Finding distance between two celestial bodies

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Aviation
Aviation technology takes into account the speed, direction and distance as well as the speed and
direction of the wind. The wind plays a vital role in when and how a flight will travel. This equation can
be solved by using trigonometry.

Aviation requires mathematics also for:


 Principles of flight
 Weight and balance
 Fuel requirement
 Navigation
 Flight planning
 Crosswind calculation
 Flight monitoring
 Descent planning

Medical Sciences
The importance of math in medical science with its applications:

 Algebra is useful to calculate dosages, create drug prescriptions, and decide the appropriate
amount.
 Most doctors recommend doses of medicine based on the patient’s body weight. Sometimes,
doctors convert weight from pounds into kilograms and convert medicine proportion into
milligrams per kilogram.
 Statistics plays a huge role in the everyday functioning of a medical laboratory. We use quality
control to ensure analyses are correct and exact. We use normal distribution data to
determine if a test is in control or out of control. Statistics is also a good player in determining
the reference ranges for tests.
 When reading results from CAT scans and X-rays, doctors use math. For instance, they use it
to convert the two-dimensional images on the screens into three-dimensional body parts. In
addition, they determine abnormalities by looking at body parts from many different angles.
 Rates and Ratios play an important role in the areas of research, medical professionals draw
charts, analyze graphs, and study statistical trends. They understand societal ailments, such
as the prevalence of chronic illnesses and diseases with maths.

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 Probability is a repeating theme in medical practice. Doctors after some experience in their
profession understand that diagnosis and prognosis have varying degrees of uncertainty. They
can at best determine the probability of occurrence in a particular case.

ATM Machines
ATMs use a mathematical formula Data Encryption Standard (DES) to encrypt personal identification
numbers. DES encrypts data in 56-bit encryption key.

The pin code can have 4 digits with repetition, which gives 10,000 different possible combinations.

Credit Cards
A credit card is made up of 16 numbers but, only the first 15 are “random”. The last number – the
16th number – is the “check digit.” Its calculated using a formula using the first 15 digits. This check
digit helps a computer system quickly determine if a credit card number is fake.

The digit is created using a method called Codabar.

Step 1: Add up all the digits in the odd positions: 1 +3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 5 + 3 = 40.

Double that number: 40 × 2 = 80.

Save this number, 80, for later.

Step 2: Add the digits in the even positions: 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 40.

Save this number, 40, for later.

Step 3: Count the number of odd positioned digits that are greater than 4.

The odd positioned digits are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 7, 5, 3. Of these, 5, 7, 9, 7 and 5 are bigger than 4.

There are 5 of those total.

Save this number, 5, for this next step…

Step 4: Add up the results you saved from steps 1, 2 and 3. 80 + 40 + 5 = 125

Step 5: Take the answer from step 4 and figure out how many you need to add to get it to the next
multiple of 10.

The number after 125 that ends in zero is 130. Therefore, we need to add 5.

5 is the required number.

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That’s the last number that should be on the credit card. For the picture, the check digit,
should be a 5 whereas its 2. So we can tell that this is a fake credit card number.

Credit card companies use the differential calculus to calculate amounts. There are several variables
that go into the calculation because it is calculated by the amount of money that is due by a certain
time (usually the due date that is listed on the bill). Add on to that the interest rate given and it
becomes a complicated task. With all the changing parts, interest rates and available balances, the
calculation has to be done simultaneously in order to provide the customer with an accurate minimum
balance. The calculation that is used to determine the minimum payment starts with determining the
interest that has accrued since the last payment, or over the month.

Music
 Math helps in reading music
Music is divided into sections that are called measures, where each measure has equal
amounts of beats. This is comparable to mathematical divisions of time. Now, each piece of
music has a time signature which gives its rhythmic information, like how many beats there
are in each measure. All the music notes have numerical connections and a number of beats.
 The frequency of music is related to math
The famed Pythagoras found out that different weights and vibrations make different sounds.
Based on this discovery, we now know that the pitch of a vibrating string is directly
proportional to its length. The pitch can also be controlled by its length.
 Patterns are common in both
The biggest similarity between math and music is patterns. For example, music has repeating
verses and choruses while math uses patterns to explain the unknown.

You can use different mathematical phenomena in music. These include geometry, signal processing,
differential calculus, and even trigonometry. In fact, research has shown that when music shows some
mathematical structure, it tends to be more popular.

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