Math, what is it good for? Absolutely Something!

Ok, so by now, the universe is taking notice, and finally, people are saying "yeah, ok, I don't fear math as much anymore. But when will I use it?"

Isn't that the ultimate question that every Math teacher loves to hear, and how disproportionately it feels that students really care or if they are just wasting time and trying to get on teachers' nerves for the fun of it?

Sure, I can say that Math is in everything, from the bridges you cross everyday or the phones in your pockets (or maybe in your hand if you're reading this).

I'll say this, you use math everyday, and don't even notice! Or at least, your brain does!

Have you ever tried to walk? How do you know how far to put your foot forward? Or maybe when you are going up stairs, how high do you need to raise your leg to reach the next step?

Your brain, through a process in the motor cortex, does all of these calculations that send instant messages to different parts of your body that make you move. We consider it muscle memory after time, but your muscles were doing the math until they knew what to do (like doing times tables as a kid).

When your brain is sending these messages, it is using learned estimation. Estimating! The estimates are so good because it is something you do everyday, many times a day most likely.

Putting on clothes, how high do you need to raise your arm in order to put that shirt on? What angle is the best?

Or how about when you go to work or school in the morning. You determine how much time it will take you to get there, and then plan accordingly. Estimation of measurements (a form of spatial reasoning, something we all do to a degree), is ultimately what you are doing.

Any painters out there? Anyone love working with colo(u)rs in some form? As young children, mathematical skills are developed through the understanding of how colo(u)rs mix together. There's also been a lot of work done on color space, mostly with those involved in graphic design. But, those that are involved in graphic design tend to be the ones that make a lot of things you use everyday, or even generate apps using color space techniques!

Or people who are on Tinder. Swiping left or right depending somewhat upon how symmetrical someone's face looks. Your brain likes symmetry and order.

Now most of us can do all of these things, but from there, you slow down in your development. But, I am challenging you on what you think Mathematics is. It's more than symbols and Algebra. We just use those to define what's happening around us all the time. But yet, we get frustrated when something doesn't appear to have a real life purpose.

By changing what you think Mathematics is, and thus realize you are more capable of doing it, you will fear it less.