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MMW Chapter 1 Lesson 1

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6 views13 pages

MMW Chapter 1 Lesson 1

Mmw

Uploaded by

chelc.sarmiento
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mathematics in Our

World
Chapter 1, GE 4 Mathematics in the Modern World
Chapter Objectives

► Recognize patterns in nature, the importance of mathematics in one’s


life, the nature of mathematics, and how it is expressed, represented,
and used.
► Express appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavor.
The Nature and Purposes of
Mathematics
Lesson 1.1, GE 4 Mathematics in the Modern World
Lesson Objectives

► To understand the definition and nature of mathematics


► To realize the purpose and importance of mathematics
► To gain awareness of the role of mathematics in our life, as well as
our role in mathematics
What is Mathematics?

► In his book Nature’s Numbers, Ian Stewart defined mathematics as “a


formal system of thought for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting
patterns”.
► Mathematics is a formal system of thought as it always presents
ideas in a precise manner that leaves no room for doubt or
misinterpretation.
► Mathematics studies patterns of all kinds, not just numerical ones.
► The process of recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns
always occurs in that order.
A note on definitions

► Technical definitions are often used verbatim for precision. (Ex. A


circle consists of all points on a plane that are equidistant
from a fixed point on the same plane called the center of that
circle.)
► Understanding concepts by heart and explaining them in one’s own
words is also important. (Ex. You know exactly what to do when you
are asked to draw a circle.)
► To illustrate, please watch the video clip in the next slide, known as
“What is a machine?” from the Indian movie 3 Idiots.
► In case the video does not work, you may watch it via this link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35sfBjmVWpU
A note on definitions
The Nature of Mathematics

► In evolutionary psychology, the four F’s of fighting, feeding, fleeing,


and reproduction are said to be factors that living things (including
humans) are evolutionarily adapted to have, follow, and achieve.
► At some point in human history, our ancestors acquired the insight to
observe patterns, and recognized the mathematics behind them.
► In their pursuit of mathematical knowledge, they classified these
patterns into branches of study.
► They also exploited these patterns, applying them in the form of
scientific, practical, and cultural innovations.
► Mathematics has always been essential to the development of human
civilization.
The Purposes of Mathematics

► Mathematics for organization


► A lot of events happen around us all the time
► We need mathematical tools to help us make sound analysis and better
decisions
► Statistics is very useful for gathering, organizing, analyzing, and
interpreting data
► Businesses can gather data on consumers’ shopping habits and make
adjustments to help drive sales
► Scientists can track migration routes to aid in conserving endangered
animal populations
► Social media analysts can crunch online content to gauge people’s
sentiments on current issues
The Purposes of Mathematics

► Mathematics for prediction


► Patterns based on regularly occurring events can be used to predict when
the event will next occur
► Meteorologists make weather forecasts based on patterns in wind, rainfall,
humidity, etc.
► Astronomers use patterns to predict phenomena such as meteor showers
and eclipses
The Purposes of Mathematics

► Mathematics for control


► We often make observations of natural phenomena, and discover the
underlying mathematics later
► In some cases, the reverse is true: a natural phenomenon is speculated to
exist solely on the basis of mathematical theory
► In 1916 Einstein theorized the existence of gravitational waves as part of
his theory of special relativity
► Gravitational waves were first observed in 2015 because technology was
limited before then
► Mathematics is also a way for mankind to exert control over nature
► The UN has taken steps to minimize the effects of global warming, in order
to avert possible undesired consequences in the future
The Purposes of Mathematics

► Mathematics is indispensable
► Mathematics plays such a huge role in modern life that we cannot function
in today’s society without it
► There is no way to earn a living today without at least a basic knowledge of
mathematics, or else we could be cheated out of our salary or profits
Thank you for listening!

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