Erika Kyle A.

Domequil
BS Biology- I
Math 10

Preliminary Reflections on the Nature and Practice of Math

Mathematics is a subject that evokes strong feelings. One student may experience the
excitement of achievement in solving mathematical problems, and another may feel the
failure of their interaction with numbers and calculation. There is no clarification as to
how this is, but it obviously affects how one's approach to Math affects his or her ability.

In a study conducted by the University of Chicago, 28 adults were assigned a math

challenge to complete, 14 of whom had been identified with high math anxiety. The scans
were performed on their dorso-posterior insulas and mid-cingulate cortexes, which are
the regions of the brain that encounter pain and physical threats. The brains of those with
high anxiety responded as if their hand was on fire, revealed by the scan. Those in the
low-anxiety group showed no such response. Furthermore, co-author Ian Lyons said, "the
anxiety occurred only during anticipation. When they actually did the math problems,
they didn't seem to experience pain. That suggests it's not the math itself that hurts; it's
the thought of it that's painful."

Then, why do we study Mathematics, if it is this painful? Mathematics has its own
special and unique discipline and language being in the form of mathematical terms,
concepts, formulae and theories, it is undeniably everywhere and universal.

How is Mathematics everywhere? It is in the songs that you listen to. It is in the pages of
your favorite book. It is in the gadgets that has become so vital in remote learning.
Proficiency in mathematics is becoming a prerequisite in all fields, it is useful in various
careers such as medicine, business, engineering, environmental studies and psychology.

Mathematics is without a doubt the foundation of Science, Engineering, and Technology.

It is rigorous and logical in searching for the truth. The aim of Mathematics is to promote
the use of precise and accurate thinking to solve problems.

Roger Bacon once said, “Mathematics is the gate and key of the sciences. Neglect of
mathematics work injury to all knowledge, since who is ignorant of it cannot know the
other sciences or the things of the world. And what is worse, men who are thus ignorant
are unable to perceive their own ignorance and so do not seek a remedy.” It is important
that we find the subject beautiful and enjoyable. This enjoyment of beauty of
mathematics will what motivate a person to study the subject.

Reference
Berlin, Jeremy. “Math Can Be Truly Painful, Brain Study Shows.” Science, 18 Oct. 2012,

www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/121108-math-pain-hurts-brain-

science-health.