As a math major, it's somewhat surprising to realize that no one has really ever asked me to answer the question, "What is math?". Whenever mathematics, or rather the idea of my majoring in math, is brought up in conversation, it seems to me that there exists a common theme involving statements such as, "I hate math", or "I understood math until letters got involved", or "Wow, I would never be able to do that", and that's the end of it. There is no effort from either side to pursue exploring the depths of what math actually consists of. So, in the spirit of tackling this newly proposed, seemingly impossible question, here's my personal take on what I believe is math.
The obvious answer of course, is that math involves numbers. But it doesn't just end there; math also includes letters, units, patterns, rules, and amazingly, things that don't even make sense to exist upon first glance, such as imaginary numbers. Mathematics also involves methods. In fact, mathematics itself can be explained as a method. It's a method of critical, deep thinking; one that involves problem solving in an effort to make a discovery. These discoveries can range from seemingly simple things, to things that completely blow your mind in such a way that not even you, the discoverer, can understand. Mathematics can also be defined by a set of calculations, the construction of a graph, or the identification of a shape. It can be used to help construct a patio, to give correct change at a grocery store, or to appropriately interpret how strongly a group of people represents a given issue. In short, mathematics is not just one thing, there is not just one definition, and there is definitely no lack of mathematics usage in the world. Mathematics is an all encompassing practice, that whether we like it or not, has been and always will be a part of our every day life.
With that being said, here are what I believe to be the five most important milestones, or discoveries, in the history of math thus far:
1. The Pythagorean Theorem
2. The Defining of Pi
3. The Identification of Patterns
4. The Formulation of Area and Volume Equations
5. The Knowledge and Use of Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
All five of these milestones have been instrumental in determining other factors and aspects of life. Like it or not, mathematics is used everyday, and it isn't going away anytime soon.
For a fun way to see and hear more about mathematical discoveries and how mathematics is used in everyday life, the link below is a good choice!
Donald Duck in MathMagicland
