MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

It Is about mathematics as a system of knowing or understanding our

surroundings.
It provides glimpses into the nature of mathematics and how it is used to
understand our world.
The central purpose of Mathematics in the Modern World is to explore
those facets of mathematics that will strengthen your quantitative
understandings of our environment.

NATURE OF MATHEMATICS

The emergence of digital technology has sparked a monumental rise in

the rate at which we consume and produce data.
Before the Internet, it could take hours to get several volumes of
resources from the library for a research paper.
It only takes a matter of seconds for your perfect selfie to be uploaded and
viewed by your relatives and friends on the other side of the world.
In this fast-paced society, how often have you stopped to appreciate the
beauty of the things around you?
Have you ever paused and pondered about the underlying principles that
govern the universe?
How about contemplating about the processes and mechanisms that
make our lives easier, if not more comfortable?
Most people do the same routine tasks every day and the fundamental
concepts that make these activities possible are often overlooked.
As rational creatures, we tend to identify and follow patterns whether
consciously or subconsciously.
 Recognize patterns feels natural, like our brain is hardwired to recognize
them.
Early humans recognized the repeating interval of day and night, cycle of
the moon, the rising and falling of tides, and the changing of the seasons.
Awareness of these patterns allowed humans to survive.
In a similar fashion, many flora and fauna also follow certain patterns such
as the arrangement of ;eaves and stems in a plant, the shape of a
snowflake, the flowers’ petals, or even the shape of a snail’s shell.
Do you also notice patterns around you? What other examples can you
think of?

Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World

Patterns – are regular, repeated, or recurring forms of designs.

Studying patterns help students in identifying relationships and finding
logical connections to form generalizations and make predictions.