this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2024
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Because math is abstract and difficult to relate to. We should be taught practical applications of the abstract concepts, and the exam questions should be more practical.
yeah i think most of us were taught by people who didn't "understand" math either, so we don't really get what it is that we're doing, we just memorize the process to get the numbers to match, which isnt fun at all. I had a very difficult time in school with math.
When i was reintroduced to math functions as an electrician (and an adult) and the numbersoup actually described tactile, real world connections i had a much more fun time learning them.
I demand only the practical parts of art and history be taught in school.
Also - the questions that focus on practical applications are called word problems, and they get complained about more than anything else.
The reason why they're abstract and difficult to relate to is because we're all being taught maths backwards.
In science, a phenomenon is observed and then maths is used to create a set of equations describe it's behaviour. Then using the equations, other experiments can be designed to prove other hypothesises. This is known as the experimentalist approach to science.
Engineering is the same but less research and more application focused. For example, I need to design a wooden shelf that is A inches/meters long and supports B lb/kg of weight. How do I do that? Using trigonometry and Newtonian physics to work out the dimensions.
Finance is often used for basic algebra and calculus.
However, it is not always helpful to work in the material when using mathematics and the abstract is preferred. This is usually only useful for the theoretical approach in science, in theoretical mathematics, or at the cutting edge of engineering disciplines.
If we were taught by being presented with a problem first, I think it would make it easier to make the leap into the abstract when required for other applications. And on top of this, it would make it much easier for the majority who only ever need to use mathematics as a tool.
“If Johnny has 3 apples, and Jane takes 1 apple, how many apples does Johnny have?”
Depends.
Did Jane take an apple from the only source of apples stated in the question; Johnny? If so then 2.
Did Jane take one apple from a source not stated in the question. If so then 3.
Has Jonny eaten any of his apples? If so then |3-n| where n is the number of apples Johnny has eaten.
Lmao you already answered the question in the first 5 words, Johnny has 3 apples
I would have certainly loved it if they showed me the actual problem and then solve it with math, instead of showing how to solve abstract, non-real-world problems in math using a bunch of complicated theorems that you just have to memorize (I know they can be solved, but you still have to memorize them for when you need to use them).
Why do you euros always call it “maths”?
Why do you Americans always call it "math?"
Because there is no need to pluralize the word. Math is short for “mathematics” so writing “maths” just makes you look stupid.
Ultimately it’s the same reason why you don’t say “admins” for administrator or detoxs for detoxification.
Do you say flus? No you say flu because it’s the shortened version of influenza.
Maths is short for mathematics, and neither is plural. Math, maths, and mathematics are all equally correct. I love when Americans tell people they look stupid because they don't do something the way Americans do it.
Nah just euros doing dumb stuff. I love it when you euros get all upset
I'm not European dumbass
Ah so you’re a stupid American who goes around saying maths? Looks like you’re the dumb ass.
The biggest thing I learned from math was training yourself to think and problem solve. To always want to learn the next level of whatever you were learning, whether it's math English or whatever.
I don't think I've ever used much math knowledge in my life ... but it gave me the ability and enthusiasm of wanting to always want to solve a problem no matter how complex it was.