Math is as big a part of life as life is a part of math. From the time most of us start learning numbers and simple math, we usually ask two questions. First, “why do I have to learn this? “, and second,” when will I ever need to use math in real life? “. The truth of the matter is, we use math everyday whether we realize it or not. Math is used in one form or another hundreds of times a day in everything from the simplest chore we perform to the most difficult tasks we can think of. Mastering the skill of math, even simple math, can enable one to progress throughout life with much less stress and confusion. Once we learn numbers and simple math, it becomes like second nature to incorporate mathematics into our day.
Consider the first thing most people do in the morning upon waking. For most of us, that involves looking at the clock to see what time it is. Therefore, numbers are one of the first things seen and automatically, without thinking about math, we calculate how much time we have before we have to be somewhere. Perhaps one only thinks of how long they slept? Regardless, math has usually been applied momentarily following waking from being asleep. Once awake, think of the math equations most of us perform throughout the day. The amount of addition and subtraction as well as multiplying and dividing ones time allotment for the day is substantial. (Math in Everyday Use, 2012)
The math calculations performed by most in relation to time in the course of a day is just a small part of the overall incorporation of math into our everyday lives. For instance, most of us have made purchases from a store at one time or another. The math starts from the moment we start shopping. Comparing prices between brands, as well as quantity for the price to be paid, is a perfect example of math at its best. Instantaneously, the consumer is calculating prospective purchases. Without using math, a consumer is vulnerable to paying more for products than was intended. The more advanced math applied, the more advanced activities can be achieved saving money, time and the reward of knowing it was done correctly. Mathematics has a branch known as Algebra which concerns the study of the rules of operations and relations. Although not usually accredited to everyday use, algebra is put into action more in a day than most people know. Let’s for instance say a driver needs to put gas in their car. The driver only has $20.00 to spend on gas. Noticing that the price of gas is $ 4.00 per gallon, the driver realizes he will receive five gallons of gas for his $20.00. Realization? Or was it actually algebra? The driver performed algebra in his head without even realizing he did it. The equation for figuring how many gallons will be obtained for $20.00 at $4.00 per gallon looks like this: Let n = # of gallons of gas, $4.00n=$20.00 ($4.00 * n = $20.00). Although it is simple division and or multiplication, this is how the algebraic equation would look on paper. Algebra in its more advanced studies is used widely in electrical, electronic, civil, and mechanical engineering as well as physics, chemical, and aeronautical engineering. (Real Life Algebra, 2012,para 1, 2).
Math has a vast number of other branches which are used in everyday problem solving and planning as well. When a person is doing their banking, following a recipe, or decorating a room, just to name a few, math principles are being followed. Decorating a room is for instance using basic geometry to figure the material quantity needed to repaint, wallpaper, or even carpet the room. Geometry is used to figure the area of a shape to be covered. Balancing ones money correctly is solely based upon their math skills. Without using math daily, money could easily disappear without any record of its path. Even a simple comparison of how much money is coming in to how much is going out is math being used to create less stress and confusion on financial issues. Cooking is based largely on recipes made up of fractions of ingredients, heating temperatures and for what amount of time, and a specified number of servings. Not incorporating math would result in over or under cooking as well as recipes not tasting right and too much or not enough food. (Math in Daily Life, 2012, para 1). Parents for the most part, teach their children very early on about math by showing them how to recognize numbers, counting to ten, and even how to add and subtract using their fingers. The fact is, most children learn to some math skills even before they learn to read. Why this one is may ask? I believe it is due to the fact that numbers are easier to recognize and math is easier to learn than reading. Although math scares many people, we actually learned it first. The basic math skills learned as a child are still put into action everyday of our lives. (Children and Math,2012).
Without math being performed in our everyday lives would result in a tremendous amount of mistakes in millions of everyday functions. Think of crossing a street and not calculating the speed of an oncoming car, or the simple math involved in the number of hours we have in a day to do whatever it is we chose to do. Even if the chosen activity is relaxing for the day, math is performed without thought. The simplest math to the most advanced math is a skill that we use every single day.
In conclusion, I would like to further validate the use of math in everyday activities. Take for example this term paper and the criteria for the assignment. The requirements include a title page, abstract page, and three page minimum body of paper. Therefore, this term paper must be a minimum of five pages. Math was used even to determine if the instructions for this paper were followed. Finally, consider the amount of material the reader of this paper has processed and the number of minutes it took to acquire this information. Subtract that number of minutes from the reader’s day and you just did math once again in the day, together with the countless times math was already performed throughout your day. Math skills benefit everyone from young to old. Sharpen math skills whenever possible to improve the quality and accuracy of life. Correctly executing math skills is something both young and old can enjoy the rewards of their accomplishments.