Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel

City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines

COLLEGE Of COMPUTER STUDIES AND ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT

Program : BSED, BPE, BSSW

Course code : GECO 4
Description : Mathematics in The Modern World

LAS
Name:. Zorilla, Michael M. Score :
Date : January 31 2022 #1
Section : OCTOBERIAN
BS CRIMINOLOGY

Topic : The Nature of Mathematics

1. Argue about the nature of mathematics.

Learning 2.What it is, how it is expressed, represented, and used.
Outcomes 3.Enumerate the characteristics of mathematics.
4. Discuss the nature of mathematics.
5. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one’s life.
References 1.Calingasan, Recto M. Mathematics in the modern world, Quezon City: C and
E Publishing Inc.
2. Aufmann, Richard Mathematics in the modern world, Sampaloc Manila: Rex
Book Store.
3. Sirug, Winston S. Mathematics In the Modern World: CHED
Curriculum compliant: Manila: Mindshaper Co., Inc.
4. Henry Cabatoy et.al (2018). Mathematics In the modern world. Ymas
Publishing house, Manila.

DISCUSSION:

The word mathematics comes from the Greek (máthēma), which, in the ancient Greek language, means
“that which is learnt,” or “lesson” in modern Greek. Mathēma is derived from “manthano” while the modern Greek
equivalent is “mathaino” which means “to learn.” The study of mathematics and the use of generalized
mathematical theories and proofs are the key differences between Greek mathematics and the mathematics of
preceding civilizations.

Voluminous studies have been conducted about the nature of mathematics since time immemorial. The rapid
growth of mathematics and its application over the past several years have led to several discussions, studies, essays,
and arguments that examine its nature and importance. Mathematics is defined as the science of patterns and
relationships. However, people still ask: What is it exactly those mathematicians do when they are doing
mathematics? What really is mathematics?

Numerous definitions from different sources are given to “mathematics.” For example, the Encyclopedia
Britannica defines mathematics as “the science of structure, order, and
relations that has evolved from elemental practices of counting, measuring, and describing the shapes and
characteristics of objects.” This definition is the one closest to the mathematics that is evident in the modern world
today.

Characteristics of Mathematics

Different people have different notions of and views on mathematics. However, regardless of nationality,
culture, beliefs, or gender, everybody uses the same mathematics. The following figure shows the characteristics
that make mathematics different from the other fields of endeavor.

Classification Logical sequence Structure

Generalization Characteristics Precision and

of Mathematics accuracy

Applicability Mathematical language Abstractness

and symbolism

 Classification

Within logical-mathematical knowledge is the process of classification which represents the first
step towards learning more complex mathematical concepts.
Classification generates a series of mental relations through which objects are grouped according to
similarities and differences depending on specific criteria such as shape, color, size, etc.

 Logical Sequence

Ideas in mathematics need to flow in an order that makes sense. The sequence can naturally match
what occurs in a text (main ideas) and what the reader needs to understand. It means that each step can be
derived logically from the preceding steps.

 Structure

In mathematics, a structure on a set is an additional mathematical object that is related to that

given set in some particular characteristic or manner, and attaches (or relates) to that set to endow it with
some additional meaning or significance. The structure on a particular mathematical set will allow
mathematicians to study the set further and find its relationship with other objects.

 Precision and Accuracy

 Accuracy is how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value. It is the degree to which a
given quantity is correct and free from error. Precision, on the other hand, is how close the measured values
are to each other. The concepts of accuracy and precision are both closely related and are often confused
with each other. For example, while the accuracy of a number x is given by the number of significant
decimal (or other) to the right of the decimal point in x, the precision of x is the total number of significant
decimal (or other) digits.

 Abstractness

Abstraction is the process of extracting the underlying essence of a mathematical concept by

taking away any dependence on real-world objects. Techniques and methods in abstraction deal with
quantitative relations and spatial forms and their interrelationships with one another. It has a great
significance in understanding concepts in other disciplines.

 Applicability

The applicability of mathematics can lie anywhere on a spectrum from the completely simple
(trivial) to the utterly complex (mysterious). Mathematics can be used in all fields of human endeavor.
According to Kant, “in any special doctrine of nature, there can be only as much proper science as there in
mathematics therein.” Many agree that the problem of understanding the significant link between
mathematics and modern science is an interesting and significant challenge for the philosopher of
mathematics.

 Generalizations

Making generalizations is fundamental to mathematics. It is a skill that must be developed among

students. It is of vital importance in a functioning society. The Webster Dictionary defines generalization
as the process of “finding and singling out [of properties] in a whole class of similar objects.”

Nature of Mathematics

Because mathematics plays such a central role in modern culture, some basic understanding of the nature of
mathematics is a requisite for scientific literacy in the modern world.

A science of measures

An intuitive method An intellectual game

 Nature of
Mathematics

The art of
drawing
conclusions
A system of logical
procedures A tool
subject

 A science of measures - Measurement is an integral part of modern science as well as of

engineering, commerce, and daily life. It is an activity that involves interaction with a concrete system
with the aim of representing aspects of that system in abstract terms if “concrete” implies “real.” It
often involves the representation of ideal systems. For example, measurement can represent the
average weight of garbage from a community, the kilowatt usage of electricity of a household,
the maximum profit of a business can have on a particular product, or an electron at complete
rest, among others.
 Intellectual game - Is mathematics just an intellectual game? Intellectual games are games of skill
that require significant intelligence and cognitive effort. These games may be largely based on a wide or
deep knowledge, where that major test is the person’s ability to remember and recall. Discovering patterns
in mathematics needs patters of intellectual skills that make one mathematical abstraction a reality. Like
board games, mathematics requires visual imagery. Before you make a contemplated move, you have to
visualize how the board will look after you make it, and then how it will be changed by your opponent’s
response, and how it will look after you meet another possible answer. Games and mathematics both
require a strong dose of patience, restraint, and concentration.

 The art of drawing conclusions - Making sense of this world is a natural characteristic that
everyone must develop. Making sense of mathematics using logical thinking is the foundation of reasoning
and proof standard. Being able to reason is essential to understanding mathematics. Reasoning is a way to
use mathematical knowledge and to generate and solidify new mathematical ideas. There are various
examples of mathematical reasoning that will be vital to draw conclusions and make generalizations about
those ideas.

 A tool subject - In many fields of human activity, mathematics is undeniably a highly powerful
instrument of investigation. Mathematics is applied in the fields of engineering, theoretical and applied
physics, astronomy, aeronautics, architecture, geology, and geodetic survey. Even the life sciences
(biology, psychology, and medicine) include numerous fields of investigations which require knowledge
of mathematics. In industry and business, an understanding of mathematics will be very helpful to
understand interests, yields, amortizations, actuarial problems, etc.
 A system of logical procedure - Problem-solving is an important component of
mathematics. it is more than a vehicle for teaching and reinforcing mathematical
 knowledge and helping to meet everyday challenges. Problem-solving is also a skill which can
enhance our logical reasoning.

 An intuitive method - Mathematicians have traditionally regarded intuitions a way of

understanding proofs and conceptualizing problems. Proving theorems is not mechanical; proving
theorems does require formal manipulation. Yet, it also requires the use of intuition, the ability to see what
is reasonable or not, and the ability to put all these together.

ACTIVITIES

In a piece of paper, answer the following based of the discussion.

1. What is Mathematics?

 Mathematics is an area of knowledge, which includes the study of such topics as numbers, formulas and
related structures, shapes and spaces in which they are contained, and quantities and their changes. The
word mathematics comes from the Greek (máthēma), which, in the ancient Greek language,
means “that which is learnt,” or “lesson” in modern Greek. Mathēma is derived from
“manthano” while the modern Greek equivalent is “mathaino” which means “to learn.

2. Explain and enumerate the characteristics of Mathematics.

Classification - Within logical-mathematical knowledge is the process of classification which

represents the first step towards learning more complex mathematical concepts.

 Logical Sequence - Ideas in mathematics need to flow in an order that makes sense.

 Structure - The structure on a particular mathematical set will allow mathematicians to study the set
further and find its relationship with other objects.

 Precision and Accuracy-The concepts of accuracy and precision are both closely related and are
often confused with each other. Accuracy is how close a measured value is to the actual true
value.

 Abstractness- It has a great significance in understanding concepts in other disciplines.

 Applicapability - The applicability of mathematics can lie anywhere on a spectrum from the
completely simple trivial to the utterly complex mysterious.

 Generalizations - Making generalizations is fundamental to mathematics. It is a skill that must be

developed among students. It is of vital importance in a functioning society.

3. What is the importance of mathematics in one’s life?

 Mathematics is one of the main subjects of our life. Information on math helps you make better choices
throughout everyday life, which helps make life simpler. The financial area is identified with maths;
thus, even the clients should be acquainted with it. For students Mathematics provides an effective way
of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning and mental rigor. In addition,
mathematical knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding the contents of other school subjects such
as science, social studies, and even music and art.