Math Should Not Be Taught

Looking up the definition of mathematics you will get the simple definition, “the abstract science of number, quantity, and space”. I believe the definition of mathematics to be more than this. I believe mathematics is study of science using basic rules or truths, such as truth 1 + 1 = 2, applying these rules in different ways, since 1 + 1 = 2, we can expand on that and say 1 x 2 = 2, and then extrapolating upon those rules. We then can use these rules to apply and make models to represent the world we live in. Some of these models are used in engineering and physics where using these rules of mathematics to then design structures such as bridges, sky-scrapers, and roads.

In an Op-Ed by Andrew Hacker “Is Algebra Necessary,” he explains why math is a difficult over glorified subject, that must be removed from high schools and universities. However, Through the power of education, the language of numbers helps us make important decision and preform everyday tasks (learner.org). Math, for many is a challenging subject, but as technology advances, classrooms tailor lessons for students who prefer to engage hands on. Therefore, numbers, symbols and letters are not only for the classroom, but also the real world. I believe math is an important subject, removing it from high schools and universities is not the answer, instead it is necessary to implement technology because math will always be used.

Over the centuries mathematics has played a crucial role in how society functions; constantly impacting how we understand the economy, why things behave the way they do, how we use and create new technology, and much more. For the people who enjoy working on mathematics some careers to keep in mind are marine architecture, an economist, an actuary, an aerospace engineer, a mathematician, or a physicist.

It is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence…mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri, 2006, p.2).

This would give us answer of 4.30 hours to drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. Now this is one way to describe what algebra is, but we also have formulas to help us. The quadratic formula, Pythagorean Theorem, and the equation of a line are just a few of the formulas we use to solve algebraic problems. The ancient Egyptians used the Pythagorean Theorem to design and build the pyramids of Egypt. Civil engineers across Europe built the massive cathedrals using algebra in a time when machinery was not available. Algebra helped aerospace engineers figured out how to send three astronauts to the moon in 1969. Our advancement in technology and society will depend on people with exceptional math skills to build the bridge to the future. As of now, we need to make people realize how useful algebra is in everyday life before we can go the next step.

You would need to create saving plans, understand and make smart investments, compound interest (interest on interest), making a budget and knowing the difference between a credit and debit card. Two additional examples of mathematics in the real world are student loans, you must create a plan to pay back a specific amount each month and determine when you will be out of debt. An additional example that remains under the category of the basics of banking, for profitable stock trading you must ensure that the average gain of winning trades are larger than the average loss of losing

I experienced by middle and high school math classes not truly recognizing the intrinsic value of them and arrived at AP Calculus AB my junior year of high school holding the same apathy for them. The popular culture and ideology regarding mathematics is that unless a student is going to study engineering, s/he will never use trigonometry, algebra, or geometry. The actual subject matter didn’t matter, only the numerical stamp of progress and success did. I let myself get caught in that train of thinking, and quickly considered mathematics another obstacle I had to grudgingly hurdle to continue my studies.

Many students ask the same question every year in their math class. “When will we ever use this stuff when we get out of school” But math is actually used in 75 percent of all the jobs in America. Jobs that don't involve math most likely do not pay very well at all. Jobs that include math are Engineer, Accountant, Scientist, Architect, Mathematician, Geologist, a Computer Programer etc. Math is the reason we have computers, medicine and even clothes.

Geometry and Algebra are so crucial to the development of the world it is taught to every public high school in the United States, around 14.8 million teenagers each year (National Center for Education Statistics). Mathematics is the engine powering our world; our stocks, economy, technology, and science are all based off from math. Math is our universal and definite language “I was especially delighted with the mathematics, on account of the certitude and evidence of their reasonings.” (Rene Descartes, 1637).

When I thought about mathematics, it was always about the equations and how to solve an equation, however, throughout this course I have learned mathematics is also about the history and origin of mathematics. For instance, the Babylonian society contribution and influence on our current society. The Babylonian society wrote the first written code of laws in history, which were called, “Code of Hammurabi,” these code help to shape the laws of our current society, laws such as wages, loans, marriage, and divorce. These laws apply to my personal life because I could gain a loan to go to school, and buy my home, as well as marry my husband. In addition, the Babylonian society base 60 numbering system as affected each aspect of my personal, academic, and professional life, giving that the 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 (60 x 6) degrees in a circle, derived from the base 60 numbering system.

Most students in my algebra II class, in high school, disliked math substantially. Math was only required to be taken for two years and if you were going to attend college, Algebra II was a requirement. When their two years were up, I could say that about half the students did not continue math. Many students in my Pre-Cal class always had a thing about asking the teacher when they were ever going to solve a problem like that in the “real world”. I noticed that the ones who had lower standards for example, they were set on going to the junior college or going straight to working, did not continue math after two years in high school. The students who were set on going to a four year university continued on with math. The students with lower standards did not care to go above and beyond. This had me thinking. If some students felt that math was useless in the “real world”, why are we required to take it? In my opinion I feel that students should be required to take a math class as a GE requirement, but it should be math that is applied to the “real world”. Those who need math in their career can continue their math studies even further.

I use math at work when i ring up the customers items and i see it all around the world. The world without currency, numbers and equations would be stupid because no one would know anything. How would people be able to sale stuff or see buy clothes, food and many other things? The world would not have any restaurants, grocery stores, or clothing stores because no one would know how much stuff cost. We wouldn’t have any technology because we need math to make a laptop or Math has impacted my life by being able to count and knowing if somebody cheated me out of my money.

Mathematics, like every creation of man, have evolved without really knowing how far you can get with them: the scope of the computer, physics, chemistry, algebra, all are evidence of this. Every aspect of our culture is based in some way or another in Mathematics: language, music, dance, art, sculpture, architecture, biology, daily life. All these areas of measurements and calculations are accurate. Even in nature, everything follows a precise pattern and a precise order: a flower, a shell, a butterfly, day and night, the seasons. All this makes mathematics essential for human life and they can not be limited only to a matter within the school curriculum; here lies the importance of teaching math in a pleasure, enjoyable and understandable way. Mathematics is an aid to the development of the child and should be seen as an aid to life and not as an obstacle in their lifes.

Maths is ubiquitous in our lives, but depending on the learning received as a child it could inspire or frighten. If a child has a negative experience in mathematics, that experience has the ability to affect his/her attitude toward mathematics as an adult. Solso (2009) explains that math has the ability to confuse, frighten, and frustrate learners of all ages; Math also has the ability to inspire, encourage and achieve. Almost all daily activities include some form of mathematical procedure, whether people are aware of it or not. Possessing a solid learning foundation for math is vital to ensure a lifelong understanding of math. This essay will discuss why it is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence (Anghileri, 2006, p. 2) and why mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri).

Mathematics is the one of the most important subjects in our daily life and in most human activities the knowledge of mathematics is important. In the rapidly changing world and in the era of technology, mathematics plays an essential role. To understand the mechanized world and match with the newly developing information technology knowledge in mathematics is vital. Mathematics is the mother of all sciences. Without the knowledge of mathematics, nothing is possible in the world. The world cannot progress without mathematics. Mathematics fulfills most of the human needs related to diverse aspects of everyday life. Mathematics has been accepted as significant element of formal education from ancient period to the present day. Mathematics has a very important role in the classroom not only because of the relevance of the syllabus material, but because of the reasoning processes the student can develop.