Mathematics is an exciting and varied field of study that can open up a lot of opportunities for students. The study of mathematics makes you better at solving problems. It gives you skills that you can use across other subjects and apply in many different job roles. Mathematicians are solving today’s biggest and most difficult problems in the world. Even the celebrated Astronomer, Physicist, and Engineer Galileo Galilei said, “Mathematics is the alphabet with which God has written the universe” in another quote he said, “If I were again beginning my studies, I would follow the advice of Plato and start with mathematics.”
To understand the importance of mathematical questions such as: How possible is it for the great London Tower Bridge to open and close? How possible is it that suspension bridges not fail? How is it possible to land on the moon and other planets? How possible is it for a large ship with tons of iron cargos not to sink in the ocean? Why do we have thousands of aircraft flying in the sky with other unmanned drones but none of them collide? Will be asked and the usage of mathematics is what makes all these possible. Curious humans have been solving humanity’s biggest problems for centuries by employing the power of mathematics.
Seemingly impossible feats are achieved, like sending rovers to Mars, humans landing on the moon, or building the Burj Khalifa at a height of 828 meters, creating mechanical objects that can fly,…without mathematics, none of this would be possible. Mathematics is one of the basic tools that help make the world go around. It’s not surprising that as a field of study, mathematics is an interesting and useful degree Programme to pursue. To elaborate more on the fact that mathematics is the key to human development let’s look at some of the importance of studying mathematics.
- UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD
The role of mathematics in many industries and subjects cannot be overemphasized as well as its impact in day-to-day real-life problems such as counting and shopping, to more complicated mathematical problems such as interpreting data, we use math everywhere. Studying mathematics helps you gain a fundamental knowledge of the subject so you can contribute to the future advancements of many industries. Whether you choose a specialization within mathematics or use the knowledge you gain in another subject, the understanding of the world you develop while studying mathematics can help you to succeed in whatever path you choose.
- BECOME A PROBLEM SOLVER
Mathematics focus is all about trying to solve problems we encounter day today. Mathematics will not only help to solve complex mathematical equations and pass exams but it will also help to develop problem-solving skills while working on solving mathematical functions. Some of the life-changing skills developed while studying mathematics include: Pattern spotting, Working backward, Visualizing, Working systematically, Using logical reasoning, etc.
- DEVELOP EXCELLENT BRAIN
The ability to be creative as well as having good analytical skills are the two major skills desired from employers of labor. The human brain developed a neural pathway for information processing hence is not surprising that mathematics plays an important role in the development of human analytical skills. When we try to solve mathematical problems by following the step of identifying the problem to solve, collecting the available data, systemically solving the problem. By doing that we are training our brain so that when we encounter a real-life problem it will automatically apply the logical step he had learned to solve even when it is not a similar problem.
- HELPS ALMOST EVERY CAREER
A good understanding of mathematics and its complexities is of great help in almost every career. The American Mathematical Society says a career centered on mathematics provides many opportunities: “Mathematical research and education are at the heart of some careers, while other careers utilize mathematics and its applications to build and enhance important work in the sciences, business, finance, manufacturing, communications, and engineering.” According to Wayne State University, some careers and jobs that benefit from a degree in mathematics include engineers, computer Programmemers, statisticians, actuaries, mathematics teachers, and even business managers, etc. Most of those career appears to be from different field of study but what they all have in common is a strong developed skill set in mathematics.
- MATHEMATICS IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
Mathematics is the universal language in the sense that it is the only language that is spoken everywhere and its meaning is the same across the globe. If you add 1+1 in Nigeria and the answer is two even in china where they speak an entirely different language the value of 1+1 is still 2.
References
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/13/opinion/sunday/math-logic-smarter.html
http://www.ams.org/profession/career-info/career-index
https://clas.wayne.edu/math/admissions
https://www.amazon.com/beginning-studies-follow-advice-mathematics/dp/B08LNFVTTR
Agada Apeh Andrew is a Lecturer II at the Department of Generral Sciences, School of Sciences and Information Technology at the Skyline University Nigeria. He has an MSc in Mathematics from the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.
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