Math is a part of our lives, whether we clean the house, make supper or mow the lawn. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are using math daily without even realizing it. It just comes naturally. Math is used in everyday life for scheduling, travel, cooking, shopping, medicine, construction and various other applications. It is also required for computing, meteorology and scientific studies.
Math is important for time calculations and scheduling. Knowing how long it takes to complete an activity or travel to a destination helps when planning everyday activities.
Recipes for cooking include measurements for ingredients. Math is used for defining the weight or amount of each ingredient. Using math to determine the necessary amount of an ingredient ensures that food has the desired consistency and flavor. Whatever we do in the kitchen requires math. Even just using the stove is basic math skills in action.
Financial math is an important aspect of shopping. Calculations are performed to determine a budget, or the amount of money available for spending. The prices of goods available for sale from different retailers are often compared to find the best deal.Can you imagine going to the bank and not having any idea what you need to do or how to manage your finances? This will cause a huge disaster in our life, and we may go bankrupt within hours.
There are a variety of uses for math in the medical field. Calculations such as heart rate and blood pressure are performed when a doctor evaluates the physical health of a person. Math is also used to develop formulas and dosages for pharmaceutical medications [3].
Constructing buildings depends on planning the precise measurements of a layout to ensure the best use of space. Construction measurements are also taken to identify the amounts of materials that need to be purchased for a project.
Chatting on the cell phone also is dependent on mathematics. It is the way of communicating for most people nowadays. It's easy, accessible and cost effective. Every one has a cell phone and it requires a basic knowledge of skill and math. We need to know numbers and how they work, and with today's technology we can do basically everything on our cell phone, from talking and faxing to surfing the Internet.
Even doing something as mundane as gardening requires a basic math skill. If we need to plant or sow new seeds or seedlings we need to make a row or count them out or even make holes. So even without thinking we are doing math. Measuring skills is always needed, and calculations of the essence when doing something new in the garden.
When doing any form of art we are using math. Whether you're a sculptor, a painter, a dancer or even just doing a collage for fun, we will need to be able to measure, count and apply basic math to it. Every form of art is co-dependant upon math skills.
Keeping a diary has become an essential part of our daily lives. We run from place to place and appointment to appointment. Making appointments and having a time schedule that works is typical for modern society and all these actions require math knowledge and skills. The Germans are especially known for their punctuality, they always keep diaries and are almost never late, so math is very important and is a secret of their accuracy [4]. “Without a diary we will crash and burn. Some people even have to make appointments to take some time out. Math is a much needed skill in today's life” [1].
Every outing you plan needs your math skill. Whether you go to the beach or the zoo is irrelevant. You will plan your way there and you will use your time wisely, math is your guide that will assist you and help you. When driving you need fuel, oil and water, without it your car will break down. All of these require math.
How about that inevitable dinner party or cocktail that you have to host. Planning is essential, how many guests are attending, what foods are you serving, the ambience of the place where you want to host it and so many other essentials all requiring multiplication, division and subtraction [1].
Whether you are painting, doing the flooring or just acquiring new furniture, you need math to make your sums add up. Everything you do inside or outside of your home needs math skills. From accessories to a new swimming pool and putting in new lighting.
Every basic thing we use in life consist of history. That means statistics. Taking into account the past and the future, and keeping record of what has been done. Without statistics we won't know what worked and what didn't. It helps us to find balance and structure.
Many experts agree that without strong math skills, people tend to invest, save, or spend money based on their emotions. To add to this dilemma, those individuals with poor math fundamentals typically make greater financial mistakes like underestimating how quickly interest accumulates. A student who thoroughly grasps the concepts of exponential growth and compound interest will be more inclined to better manage debt [2].
Financial knowledge decays over time, so it’s important to keep young people involved. By continually showing how specific math lessons apply to real life financial situations and budgeting, kids can learn how to properly spend and save their money without fear or frustration.
References:
- Math Worksheet Center. 10 Ways We Use Math Everyday [online] http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/mathtips/everydaymath.html
- Baldridge Sh. 6 Everyday Examples of Math in the Real World [online]https://www.thinkthroughmath.com/math-real-life-examples
- Mathematics: Everywhere& Everyday [online] http://www.science.edu.sg/exhibitions/Pages/Mathematics.aspx
- Лебедева И. В., Томас Мако Современная формула немецкой нации (рецензия на книгу Адама Флетчера “Как стать немцем” (AdamFletcher: “ WiemanDeutscherwird”. In 50 Eeinfachen Schritten /Aus dem Englischen von Ingo Herzke. — Verlag C. H. Beck, Munchen, 2013. -73 p.) // Каспийскийрегион: политика, экономика, культура. 2015. № 1 (42). С. 343–348
