Math in the Modern World

COURSE OUTLINE

CHAPTER1 Mathematics in our World

(Time Allotment: 3 hours)
1.1 Mathematics defined
1.2 Mathematics as a study of patterns
 Number patterns – 1st difference, 2nd difference
 Geometric patterns
 Logic patterns
1.3 Mathematics in nature
 Shapes Visible in Nature
- Sphere, Hexagons, Cones, Lines
 Symmetry
- Bilateral, Radial, Asymmetrical
 Patterns
- Self-organized patterns, Invoked organization
 Fractals
 The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio

o Nature’s Numbers by Ian Stewart

o Video: https://vimeo.com/9953368
o Video: God’s Fingerprint – The Fibonacci Sequence, Golden Ratio…
o Video: Nature’s Mathematics 1 of 2
o Video: Nature’s Mathematics 2 of 2

C H A P T E R 2 Mathematical Language and Symbols

(Reference: Chapter 1-4 of Schaum’s Outline on Set Theory )
(Time Allotment: 5 hours)
Introduction of Math as a Language
Fundamental elements of the language of Mathematics
2.1 Sets (Terminologies)
Basic Operations on Sets
2.2 Sets and Elementary Properties of Real Numbers
2.3 Relations
2.4 Functions, Functions and its operations
 Note: For uniformity of presentations, please limit examples,
exercises and assignments to the problems in the book – examples,
solved problems, supplementary exercises of indicated sections

CHAPTER3 Logic and Reasoning

(Reference: Chapter 3 of Mathematical Excursions by
Aufmann)
(Time Allotment: 3 hours)
3.1 Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
 Inductive reasoning
 Counterexamples
 Deductive reasoning
 Using deductive reasoning to establish a conjecture
 Deductive vs inductive reasoning
 Logic puzzles
 EXCURSION: KenKen® Puzzles: An Introduction

Project: Infographics / poster Ian Stewart’s Nature’s Numbers

 PRELIM EXAMINATIONS