What comes to mind when you think about maths? What is maths in simple terms according to you?
An infinite loop of numbers and mathematical operations? Calculations and shapes or something else? Mathematical logic is a logical field of study which is not limited to numbers and operations.
What is Math Definition?
Often termed the science of quantity, mathematics is a body of knowledge that is entirely based on two premises, which are logical reasoning and quantitative expression. Through maths, we can draw the best possible conclusion to our problems in terms of quantity.
Maths plays a significant role in the development of humankind. To understand that, we can look around us and observe the presence of maths in everything and everyone around us. From the shopkeeper weighing wheat to our parents making a monthly budget for the house, everything requires mathematics.
By attempting to convert the issue into quantitative values, mathematics helps humans solve their issues. With the help of mathematical theories and methods, these quantitative values can be simplified and reduced to a quantitative solution.
Mathematics is a practical subject involving numbers, operations, symbols, and some universal principles. One of the qualities that make mathematics a fascinating body of knowledge is its physiological benefits to the human mind. It develops the problem-solving skills and analytical skills of the human mind.
These attributes help a person see the world with a better perspective. Maths lays the foundation for physics. Through physics, humans attempt to understand the origin of the universe and its secrets. Mathematics helps physics to simplify these theories of matter and the universe into quantitative equations. In this regard, mathematics is also an interdisciplinary subject.
Branches of Mathematics
Mathematics is the domain of mathematics. In this regard, this field seeks to logically derive the quantitative result from problems that exist in different fields. From finding the area of land for sale to obtaining the time value of money for investment, mathematics operates in a different yet related manner. To study mathematics, it is suggested to classify mathematics into some branches. This classification of mathematics helps students learn the complex process of mathematics in a simplified manner. Branches of mathematics can be classified as:
It is the most basic level or class of mathematics. Arithmetic is concerned with studying numbers. Arithmetic also provides ground-level support for number theory. Arithmetic is taught in the initial classes. In arithmetic, four operations (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication) are studied along with numbers.
This branch of mathematics is concerned with solving equations having variables. In algebra, the properties of algebraic expressions are being studied. For example, commutative, associative, or distributive property. Algebra also includes integers, constants, exponents, and arithmetic progression.
It is one of the oldest and most interesting branches of mathematics. In geometry, we study shapes, angles, lines, and planes. It is a branch of mathematics that helps us to understand different shapes and sizes in terms of their area, perimeter, volume, and other geometrical expressions.
It is a branch of geometry related to trigonometry. In trigonometry, we study the relationship between angles and the sides of a triangle. Under trigonometry, trigonometric functions are operated on to determine sides and angle relationships. Trigonometry has its applications in navigation, astronomy, acoustics, etc.
This branch of mathematics is concerned with the study of instantaneous change and finding the area, the volume of a shape or curve. Calculus can be further classified into two parts, i.e differential calculus, and integral calculus. Calculus is predominately used in architecture, engineering, medical science, the aerospace industry, etc.
There’s also Vedic maths. Now, what is Vedic maths you ask? It is a collection of techniques to solve mathematics arithmetics in a simple and faster way. It consists of 16 formulae and 13 sub-formula that are used to solve problems in algebra, arithmetic, geometry, calculus, and conics.
Learning maths through projects
Do you think that you and maths can never get along? Well, maths doesn’t have to be difficult anymore. Gone are the days when mathematics was taught in a monotonous way. With the introduction of these maths project ideas, students can now have fun while learning. Project work is a modern way of learning things with efficiency.
Cool mathematics project work helps students to understand the application of mathematical operations and theories. Students can get hands-on experience through mathematics project work. Such activities infuse creativity within young minds and bridge the gap between mathematics and our curiosity to learn maths. When a student works on these projects, they retain the information in a better way. With the help of educational tools embedded in the DIY mathematics project, one can get a firm grasp of all mathematical formulas and principles.
In the modern classroom, a student’s attention span is closely related to the quality of teaching in the classroom. Long lectures can be taxing on both the teacher and the student. Teachers can introduce some project work to energise the enthusiasm of students. When a student applies the theoretical knowledge of mathematics to practical application through these projects, their confidence gets boosted. Project work is efficacious in imparting skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, analytical skills, etc.
Mathematical career opportunities
Mathematics is a field that requires people who possess an excellent understanding of mathematical principles, theories, and expressions. From the point of view of career opportunities, mathematics is a rich field. The field of mathematics often overlaps with economics, medicine, engineering, physics, and a few other subjects. Together with these subjects, specialists in mathematics are in demand in various industries for various roles.
A student can make a career in the domain of mathematics by pursuing maths in high school and higher education levels. Since mathematics and physics are closely related, a student needs to pursue science to take a good role in the domain of mathematics. Eligibility criteria for job roles in the domain of mathematics can be categorised as:
- Class XII, with mathematics
- Bachelor’s degree in mathematics (B.SC maths Hons)
- Post-graduation in mathematics
- A Ph.D. in mathematics
A graduation degree could fetch some entry-level roles for candidates in various fields. As for the middle and top-level job roles, a person is required to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics. Specialists in mathematics can find employment in different industries such as meteorological institutions, baking, investment, engineering, astronomy, robotics, etc.
Some of the prominent roles related to mathematics are:
- Actuarial scientist
- Data analyst/engineer
- Investment banking
- Statistician / Biostatistician
- Risk analyst
- Functional analyst
- Analyst of operations research
The aforementioned list of potential job roles is inclusive. Mathematics has applications in various fields such as engineering, computer science, robotics, biology, chemistry, and so on. A student who studies maths along with any of these specific disciplines can explore more jobs in different fields.