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Lesson 1

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21 views4 pages

Lesson 1

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2004ailynerago
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MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Part I. Nature of Mathematics

What does mathematics have to do with nature or art?

A closer look at ancient fabric designs and the woody scales of pine cone also reveals

repeating patterns that can be analyzed in a mathematical way. Mathematics is the

science of patterns and relationships. Mathematics relies on both logic and creativity,

and it is pursued both for a variety of practical purposes and for its intrinsic interest.

“A great discovery solves a great problem


but there is a grain of discovery in the solution of any problem.
Your problem may be modest;
but if it challenges your curiosity
and brings into play your inventive faculties,
and if you solve it by your own means,
you may experience the tension and enjoy the triumph of discovery.”
George Polya

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MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Chapter

MATHEMATICS IN
OUR WORLD
Objectives: At the end of the chapter, the students are expected to:
1. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one‘s life.
2. Express appreciation for mathematics as human endeavors.
3. Argue about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how is it
expressed, represented, and used.
4. Identify patterns in nature and regularities in the world.

Lessons:
1.1 The Meaning of Mathematics
1.2 Mathematics as a Study of Patterns
1.3 Mathematics in Nature

Lesson 1.1 The Meaning of Mathematics

Mathematics may be viewed in different perspectives. In its wildest


significance, it is the development of all types of formal deductive reasoning.
Generally, it is said to be the science of calculation. Others view it as a
science of numbers and space and others say that it is a science of
measurement, quantity and magnitude. Locke said ―Mathematics is a way
to settle in the mind of children a habit of reasoning.” It is a discipline
investigating ―formal structures (Bernays), it is the ―science of orders
(Russell), it is the ―science of order in progression (Hamilton). Mathematics
2
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

has been seen also as a logical construct that is based on a lot of axioms of
either set theory or number theory.

Traditionally, mathematics is presented deductively at school. And is


often perceived as well structured and problems are algorithmically
approached. Merriam dictionary defines mathematics as the science of
numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations,
and abstractions and of space configurations of their structure,
measurement, transformations and generalizations.

Mathematics is derived from the ancient word manthanein meaning "to


learn". The Greek root mathesis means "knowledge" or its other form
máthema meaning science, knowledge, or learning, and mathematikós or
mathemata means "fond of learning". These might have been the notion of
the early mathematicians and philosophers that is why they continue to seek
for knowledge and the truth. Mathematics could then be defined as a desire
for a particular kind of knowing. Knowing that is self-contained on the
individual or may be seen as an autonomous thinking (Schaaf, 1963).

Mathematics is described in so many ways that fits within the area of


human knowledge. Basically it is seen as a study of patterns and relations.
It is also a way of thinking. Mathematics is seen as an art which is
characterized by order and internal consistency. It is a language that uses
carefully defined terms and symbols. Thus, mathematics is a tool (Reys,
Lindquist, Lambdin, Smith and Suydam, 2004).

Mathematics has five basic characteristics‘ namely: precision,


definition, reasoning, coherence, and purposefulness. They are not
independent of each other. It is precise in the sense that mathematical
statements are clear and unambiguous. It is clear what is known and what
is not known. Definitions abound in mathematics. It is the bedrock of
mathematical structure and the platform that supports reasoning.
Reasoning is the lifeblood of mathematics. It is the engine that drives proving
and problem solving. Its absence is the root cause of the learning by rote
approach. Concepts and skills are interwoven in mathematics. And lastly,
mathematics is goal-oriented, and for every concept or skill there is a
purpose for it.

Hardy (1941) states that the beauty of mathematics resides in the fact
that mathematics is all about, not just patterns, but patterns of ideas. Devlin
defines mathematics as the ―science of patterns and then more fully as:
―the science of order, patterns, structure, and logical relationships (Devlin,

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MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

2001, p. 73). Mathematics has also often been described as the language of
science. Since the mixture of symbols and words is so powerfully descriptive
and communicative perhaps the definition: ―mathematics is the language of
the science of order, patterns, structure and logical relationships may be
considered. Whatever form or way one defines mathematics so long as it
becomes meaningful to the user then it would be a definition for that user.

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