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1 The Mathematics of Our World

Specific Objectives
1. To understand the definition and nature of mathematics

2. To realize the purpose and importance of mathematics

3. To gain awareness of the role of mathematics in our life, as well as our role in
mathematics

In this lesson we attempt to define mathematics and explain its nature. We also discuss the
importance of mathematics, as well as the different roles it plays in our lives.

1.1.1 The Nature of Mathematics

In his book Nature’s Numbers, Ian Stewart defined mathematics as “a formal system of thought

for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns”. This means that mathematics is more than
the study of numerical relationships. It is not restricted to computations and arithmetic
solutions. Rather, it is the study of patterns of all kinds, as well as the methods we use to gather
and use information based on these patterns.
It is worth noting that the recognition, classification, and exploitation of patterns mentioned
in our working definition always occur in that order. We cannot use a pattern to our advantage
without first knowing enough about it to classify it, and likewise we cannot classify a pattern
without first recognizing that it is a pattern.

• A note regarding definitions: It is important to remember and state definitions verbatim

(with the exact wording), so that we do not risk altering the meaning of what we intend
to say. However, it is equally important to understand the actual meaning of a term,
especially since technical definitions are often too long and absurd for everyday
conversation.

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 • This video (https://y2u.be/-MlkASchodc) is a scene from the film 3 Idiots. Here a professor
is asking for the textbook definition of a machine, but he does not explicitly ask for the
definition. The main character, a student called Rancho, responds by providing an answer
from his own understanding. The professor is dissatisfied and tells Rancho to leave, but
Rancho comes back inside to get his books. In the process, he demonstrates the
importance of using simple terminology by coming up with a long-winding “definition” of
a book on his own, to the confusion of the professor.

• While the scene is rather humorous overall, it shows the importance and advantages of
knowing both the technical and layman’s definitions of a word. Thus, please try to
remember both the exact wording and the meaning behind Stewart’s definition of
mathematics.

• Please do not attempt to imitate Rancho in an actual classroom setting.

In evolutionary psychology, the four Fs are said to be the four basic instincts that animals
(including humans) are evolutionarily adapted to have, follow, and achieve. These are fighting,

feeding, fleeing, and mating; the term four Fs likely refers to a more crude term for mating,

which we will not mention. At some point in human history, our ancestors acquired the insight
to observe patterns in their surroundings. They realized that the natural world efficiently uses
all mathematical patterns to its advantage. In turn, they used this knowledge of patterns in
ways that other living beings do not, thereby acting beyond instincts related to the four Fs, in
order to satisfy their needs and desires. This led to scientific and cultural innovations. It can be
concluded that mathematics, the study of patterns, has always been essential to the
advancement of human civilization.
Mathematics is present all around us and is the cornerstone of all our activities. It is at the
forefront of every period of our development as a species, from the discovery of fire to the
advent of manned extraterrestrial flight. However, it can be argued that the most important
contribution of mathematics to the development of human civilization is the advent of the

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concept of numbers. Without a sense of quantity, we might not have gotten started with
mathematical discoveries, and most of the other great advances of mankind may not have
become possible without numbers.
Mathematics is a useful, practical, and powerful tool. It is more than the simple act of
calculating with numbers, formulas, and symbols, but rather the discovery of patterns and new
ways to make use of them. Mathematics was once perceived to be limited to the study of
numbers, but it is now understood as the universal language through which the natural world is
programmed to operate. Mathematics is about finding creative ways of looking at problems in
order to understand and solve them. It also allows us to perceive what is otherwise intangible,
and serves as our sense of patterns and logical connections just as our physical senses allow us
to interact with each other and with the environment. Mathematics is all of the following.

• a study of patterns, as implied by our working definition.

• a language, as will be discussed during Chapter 2 later on. It is hoped that, rather than try
to get correct answers every time, we aim to become more fluent in the language of
mathematics. This will allow mathematics to come naturally to us, just like breathing,
eating, or speaking our native languages.

• a process of thinking, which also ties with our working definition.

• a set of problem-solving tools, since most problems can be solved by using patterns which
are the domain of mathematics.

• an art, as mathematics allows us to communicate both exact results and original ideas.
Mathematics is also an instrument of creativity, as evidenced by our discussion of
recreational mathematics in Chapter 3.

Mathematics is everywhere, since patterns are everywhere. It is up to us to recognize,

classify, and exploit these patterns.

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1.1.2 The Purposes of Mathematics

Mathematics serves multiple purposes, all of which are equally important.

1. Mathematics for organization. A lot of events happen around us all the time. In the blink
of an eye, several children have already been born, hundreds of liters of water have been
consumed, and thousands of tweets have been posted. For us to make sense of all
available information, we need mathematical tools to help us make sound analysis and
better decisions. For instance, a particular store can gather data on the shopping habits of
its customers and make necessary adjustments to help drive sales. Scientists can plot bird
migration routes to help conserve endangered animal populations. Social media analysis
can crunch online content using software in order to gauge people’s sentiments on
particular issues or personalities.

2. Mathematics for prediction. As much as we can use mathematical models using existing
data to generate analysis and interpretations, we can also use them to make predictions.
Applying the concept of probability, experts can calculate the chance of an event
occurring. The weather is a prime example. Based on historical patterns, meteorologists
can make forecasts to help us prepare for our day-to-day activities. They can also warn us
of weather disturbances that can affect our activities for weeks or months. Astronomers
also use patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers of eclipses. This allows
them to tell when certain phenomena would occur and where would be the best places
to view them.

3. Mathematics for control. It is often the case that we first make observations of natural

phenomena, followed by an exploration or discovery of the underlying natural

phenomena. But there have been instances when a natural phenomenon is speculated to
exist because mathematics says so, and yet no hard evidence has been found to support
its existence. For example, in 1916 Albert Einstein hypothesized the existence of
gravitational waves based on his theory of special relativity, without any observed

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 occurrences to support his claim. As it turns out, Einstein was right, but he was unable to
observe gravitational waves because he was limited by the technology of his time.
Gravitational waves were first observed in 2015.

Through the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself and the
effects of nature. The threat of climate change and global warming has been the subject
of much debate over the years. Patterns indicate that unless mankind changes its
behavior, sea levels could rise to catastrophic levels as the polar caps melt due to the
increase in global temperatures. In response to this, the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed in 1992 and has 197 parties as of
December 2015.

4. Mathematics is indispensable. Mathematics plays a huge role in the underpinnings of our

world. We have seen it in living creatures and natural phenomena. It is also highly evident
in everyday human life, even in situations where we mostly interact with artificial or man-
made objects. For instance, there is simply no way to be gainfully employed without at
least a basic knowledge of mathematics, or else one could be cheated out of their salary
or profits. At the most basic level, logical reasoning and critical thinking are crucial skills
that are needed in any endeavor.

1.1.3 Learning Activity 1.1

Write your answers to each of the following questions on a clean sheet of paper. Keep your
answers concise and specific. Consulting the internet and other resources is discouraged. You
may read content from reliable sources, but you may not copy from them.

1. In your opinion, what is the most important contribution of mathematics to the

development of human civilization? Explain your answer.

2. Describe an object or phenomenon that came about because of mathematics. Explain the
underlying mathematics behind this object, and state which purpose of mathematics
applies to your chosen object.

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 For submission, uploading of an electronic file (.docx or .pdf) or a photo of handwritten
work to Google Classroom is preferred, but you may submit a physical copy of handwritten
work. Use Arial 11 for electronic files, and write legibly on a clean sheet of bond paper for
handwritten work.
Answers will be graded according to the following criteria.
Maximum
Criterion Remarks
Score
Is the answer correct?
Adequacy 60 pts
Is it sufficiently explained?
Is the answer specific?
Brevity 30 pts
Are its ideas presented concisely?
Is the answer written with correct spelling and
Language and
grammar? 10 pts
Mechanics
Is the document clean and legibly written?
Total: 100 pts