Mathematics in Our World 1

Mathematics for Our World

Lesson 3. Mathematics for our World

Objectives:
In this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Recognized the importance of Mathematics in our world
2. Appreciate Mathematics in our daily life.

Lesson Proper:
Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us to understand the world
around us. Now, much more than arithmetic and geometry, mathematics today is a
diverse discipline that deals with data, measurements and observations from
science, with inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of
natural phenomena, of human behavior, and of social systems. Math is a powerful
tool for global understanding and communication.

Mathematics is often studied as a pure science, but is typically applied to

other disciplines, extending well beyond physics and engineering. For instance,
studying exponential growth and decay (the rate at which things grow and die)
within the context of population growth, the spread of disease, or water
contamination, is meaningful.

Algebra can explain how quickly water becomes contaminated and how
many people in a third-world country drinking that water might become sickened
on a yearly basis. A study of geometry can explain the science behind architecture
throughout the world. In a similar vein, a study of statistics and probability is key to
understanding many of the events of the world.

Mathematics for Organization

A lot of events happen around us. In a 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
instance, a particular store can gather data on the shopping habits of its customers
and make necessary adjustments to help drive sales. Scientist can plot bird
migration routes to help conserve endangered animal populations. Social media
analysts can crunch all online postings using software to gauge the netizens’
sentiments on particular issues or personalities.

Christine H. Ferolino
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Mathematics for Our World

©rawpixel/istock/thinkstock
Software can generate a map of words that are most talked about. The bigger
the font, the more netizens are talking about the concept or topic.

In global connection, mathematics is used to model situations or events in the

world, explanations of how the complexity and interrelatedness of situations or events
in the world are reflected in the model, data generated by the model to make and
defend a decision; and a decision or conclusion supported by the mathematics within
the context of a global community.

Mathematics for prediction

Statistics and probability can estimate death tolls from earthquakes, conflicts
and other calamities around the world. It can also predict profits, how ideas spread,
and how previously endangered animals might repopulate. many world events and
phenomena are unpredictable and can only be described using statistical models.
Probability and statistics can be used to estimate death tolls from natural disasters,
such as earthquakes and tsunamis; the amount of aid that might be necessary to
help in the aftermath; and the number people who would be displaced. In a similar
vein, a study of statistics and probability is key to understanding many of the events
of the world.

Christine H. Ferolino
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Mathematics for Our World

Predictions with math would be best referred to as forecasting which is

making an educated guess based on recurring patterns of activity. Based on
historical patterns, meteorologist can make forecast to help us prepare for our day
to day activities. They can also warn us of 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 Draconid Meteor Shower and “The Great
American Eclipse”. They were able to tell when these phenomena would occur and
where would be the best place to view them.

©slideplayer.com/

Does that mean that math can provide predictions that possess 100%
accuracy? No, it would be next to impossible to make a 100% accurate prediction.
But, a prediction based on solid data can allow you to make an assumption that is as
close to the likelihood of accuracy than not and this is clearly very valuable.

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

Christine H. Ferolino
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Mathematics for Our World

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 sounds that they hear. These
observations of nature, as well as their interactions and relationships, could be more
elegantly described by means of mathematical equations.

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.

Though the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself
and the effects of nature. The treat 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 level 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 States

How cloud seeding works. Credit: sanjindumisic.com

Cloud seeding. Humans interfering with mother nature to bring us more of

the good stuff. It sounds too good to be true, but studies point to a snowfall increase
of 3-10% during an entire season, and a Summit Daily news article lists 10% as an
average increase, reports meteorologist and powder reporter Joel Gratz
of opensnow.com.

Christine H. Ferolino
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Mathematics for Our World

Mathematics is indispensable

How is it possible that mathematics, a product of human thought that is independent

of experience, fits so excellently the objects of reality? - Albert Einstein

In this lesson, 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, engineer, an entrepreneur, or a chief, 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.

Exercises
1. Exponential Growth. A house is purchased for P 1, 000,000.00 in 2002. The
value of the house is given by the exponential growth model A =
1,000,000e0.645t. Find t when the house would be worth P 5,000,000.00
2. Exponential Decay. The amount of radioactive material present at time t is
given by A = A0ekt, where A0 is the initial amount, k < 0 is the rate of decay.
Radioactive substances are more commonly described in terms of their half-
life or the time required for half of the substance to decompose. Determine
the half-life of substance X if after 600 years, a sample has decayed to 85% of
its original mass.

References
Aufmann, R., Lockwood, J., Nation, R. and Clegg, D.,(2018) Mathematics in the
Modern World, Rex Book Store Inc. Manila, Philippines
https://www.wired.com/2013/04/cliodynamics-peter-turchin/
https://asiasociety.org/education/understanding-world-through-math
http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/mathtips/mathandpredictions
https://snowbrains.com/cloud-seeding-make-difference/

Christine H. Ferolino