Mayordomo, Sophia Yhobel O.

GED0103_Sec 30

Assignment 1:

1. Explain the reasons why Hardy wrote his article?

Although Hardy viewed it as shameful of him, he wrote the article to justify pure mathemat-

ics as the best method of teaching mathematics. All the while coming out of his comfort zone

of being a mathematician, Hardy also wanted to enlighten those who are not mathematicians.

Although as a mathematician, he should be reasoning with numbers and equations, however

to come through with the “non-mathematician”, Hardy used a more verbal approach to not

just explain the permanence of pure mathematics but also justify his life as a mathematician

to both his fellow mathematicians and non-mathematicians.

2. Give at least three major ideas from the article the author has written about Math?

The author wrote about the essence of pure mathematics and how it is better than real math-

ematics. The author also wrote that there were infinite prime numbers. Lastly, he proves that

the square root of 2 is irrational.

3. What are the issues, problems and grievances of Lockhart on how math is being taught in

most schools?

According to Lockhart, school mathematics destroys the creative aspects of mathematics, for

he believes that mathematics is art. Most schools teach mathematics through heavy memo-

rizations and procedures to follow. He also pointed out that it is taught without reference to

its history and philosophical underpinnings. This should all be overcome to reduce the anxi-

ety in students.
4. Any solutions, as suggested by Lockhart in his article, on how to solve or address the prob-

lems he mentioned?

With the destruction of Math’s creativity, Lockhart suggested to instead provide a cre-

ative and rewarding process of invention and discovery. He believes that what makes

mathematics fun is that it is irrelevant to our lives, so there is no need to push that it is

relevant, especially on a kids’ life. Other than just teaching numbers and equations in

math, its origin should also be taught.