Math(s)

some people call them 'the sciences'

the thing about math is that it builds on itself. you can't possibly do more than one type of calculus problem if you don't know how to use algebra to rearrange equations to get a convenient form. And if you don't know geometry, then all the volume and area applications of calculus go out the window.

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Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

Ive been thinking lately about Maths and Science and their importance. It seems to me, using the very tenuous evidence that I have, that the popularity of these important subjects is declining in the UK. Does anyone else think that is happening?

If so, there's going to be a greater demand for scientists because they are so important. If you look at the advances in modern society, most of them are scientific. It may seem arrogant and wrong in me saying this, but I'll put it out there anyway...

Science as a whole is the most important subject for developing a country. People educated in scientific subjects are more useful than people educated in history, arts or literature. The people who are driving countries forward are educated in maths or the sciences, not arts.

There. I said it.

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It's been happening for years. Physics departments up and down the country have been shut down due to lack of numbers and interest and it's a real shame. As someone who loves History and will be going on to study it in September, I fully admit that the arts aren't as useful. If I were good enough at something like Physics or Chemistry and had the same passion for them that I have for History, then I would would study one of those subjects; I'd probably feel like I was making a more meaningful contribution to society as well. Having said that, I don't think it's entirely fair to dismiss the arts. Arts degrees allow you to go in many less specialised fields such as journalism, management, business, law and the civil service among others. While maths and sciences are undoubtedly important, the arts do have an important role to play. It's a shame that some people are put off sciences because they're perceived as more difficult; I think part of these stems from the choices that people make at A-Level. I studied Physics post-GCSE and definitely found myself lacking there compared to History, but at least I made the effort to try Physics.

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Originally Posted by Zeldy

HOW and help me plz.

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Doing the Higher paper, a C is something stupid like 30%

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Originally Posted by Zeldy

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Originally Posted by Laddy

Math < Literature

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Never. English Literature > everything xD

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That's what he said :mog:

I disliked it up until Calculus, but ever since I've loved it.

@Heath: Yeah, definitely. I would never argue against that. I love subjects like history and music. In fact, the thing I dislike the most about A-levels is the lack of variety compared to GCSEs. (Man, I loved GCSEs) But I always got the impression that science was ultimately more powerful in terms of developing the modern world. Technology, medecine, manufacturing processes etc.


I just worry for the fate of a country where teenagers dont like science and go into other subjects instead. They need to see how important it is, as well as learning how rewarding it can be.

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Originally Posted by Momiji

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Originally Posted by Tavrobel

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Originally Posted by Momiji

First, why add the 's' at the end of the word? Shouldn't a subject in general be singular?

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Different types of math, grasshopper. When's the last time you heard anyone tell you that Calculus is the same as Algebra?

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They aren't the same. However, they all fall under the general subject of math.

For example, Chemistry and Biology are both types of science, but you don't call the subject they fall under 'sciences', do you?

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Its because mathematic is an adjective and shortened to math, and mathematics is the noun and shortened to maths. However maths can also be used as an adjective, as can mathematical

You see the thing abot math is it is the only subject who chooses to spit in the face of the english language. And that makes english fanatics hate it. Very post modern.

I really like maths, though im bad at parametrics, im pretty good at everything else ive done so far.

English people are jealous because they cant model the laws that govern the whole Universe on one page, but mathematical people can.

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Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

@Heath: Yeah, definitely. I would never argue against that. I love subjects like history and music. In fact, the thing I dislike the most about A-levels is the lack of variety compared to GCSEs. (Man, I loved GCSEs) But I always got the impression that science was ultimately more powerful in terms of developing the modern world. Technology, medecine, manufacturing processes etc.


I just worry for the fate of a country where teenagers dont like science and go into other subjects instead. They need to see how important it is, as well as learning how rewarding it can be.

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Hence why A-Levels should be done away with or reformed in favour of something similar to the International Baccalaureate. A hell of a lot more intensive, but I definitely feel more rounded academically than my friends who did A-Levels. English, German, History, Physics, Maths, Psychology and Epistemology (through the 'Theory of Knowledge' component) is quite a mixed bag! It is sad and I agree that the Sciences are - probably - more useful. However, I fully hope to make a living out of History as a historian or teacher; as unlikely as that is.

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Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

English people are jealous because they cant model the laws that govern the whole Universe on one page, but mathematical people can.

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Actually, us math guys can't do it either; there's too many of them. Not unless you stripped down explanations and didn't show work, but if you can't show your work, you might as well be wrong. English majors can use their skills in writing to at least attempt a theory on the workings of the world, which can incorporate math if they choose, and since they are good writers, they can be both concise and appreciable. Well, technically, they'd need two or more pages. Either way, it's like arguing whether ends-means users are superior to those who can craft the theory behind it. You need both.

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Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

English people are jealous because they cant model the laws that govern the whole Universe on one page, but mathematical people can.

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Not really. Arithmetic is a man made system, just like writing.

Once in trigonometry the teacher asked me to write one of the previous night's homework questions on the board and solve it.
I was so confused by the subject that I got up and wrote:

x=a/2b5jyra X 44- I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE HELL I'M DOING

I got kicked out of the class for that.
So much for no student left behind...

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Originally Posted by SpendGil

Once in trigonometry the teacher asked me to write one of the previous night's homework questions on the board and solve it.
I was so confused by the subject that I got up and wrote:

x=a/2b5jyra X 44- I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE HELL I'M DOING

I got kicked out of the class for that.
So much for no student left behind...

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Actually it's no CHILD left behind. ;]

MATH!!!! mi favorite!!!! me gusto mucho.

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Originally Posted by Vivisteiner

English people are jealous because they cant model the laws that govern the whole Universe on one page, but mathematical people can.

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How big a sheet are you talking here, buddy?

Because all I do most of my life is study those laws(and what to actually do with them, which mathmatisians can't) and I gotta tell ya, that's gotta be one hell of a sheet.

Maths was one of my majors at university, and I loved every second of it. The best is discrete and calculus is a close second. I hate stats (it's not real maths anyway :p).

I use the maths I learnt at uni every day, as well. Physics is pretty cool too but it's got nothing on maths.

And maths ends in "s". :p