May 23rd, 2016
Sample Essay on Math in Everyday Life
Planning a vacation, going out for a date, choosing the new shower gel…What do all these everyday activities have in common? 1, 2, 3…Math! Logical and numerical thinking is an integral part of our routine. If you’re good at understanding basic concepts of math, you will get a great advantage next time life throws tons of problems at you. So, how do we use Math daily?
Baking and Cooking
When in the kitchen, you’re supposed to have some primitive mathematical skills. If you’d like to make a rocking romantic dinner, make sure to measure every ingredient. According to the recipe you use, sometimes you may need to either divide or multiply in order to have the exact amount of whatever-you-need. As you see, baking and cooking requires math. Even using a new stove requires you to have basic skills in math.
Painting, Sculpting, Dancing
If art is your life, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a dancer, painter or sculptor – you’re in need of using math. These activities require an ability to count, measure as well as apply basic math concepts to each of them.
Picking Shampoo
Washing your hair does not require you to be a math expert. However, taking into account the endless number of shampoo brands available within the market, it’s hard to decide which one is the most suitable for you. Who knows, maybe you just pick one and use it for centuries, but advertisers tend to use statistics in order to hook you to their brands. What they actually state is that over 80% of consumers give preference to their products over the old ones. But is that actually true? Without being aware of how many individuals were surveyed, their claims are zero. When it’s about statistics, both – questions and answers are crucial. At the same time, you may purchase the 300 ml shampoo for $3 or the 400 ml bottle for $4. How to make a choice that will be pocket-friendly? Mental math skills are the answer.
Banking
If you’re going to the bank, but don’t have the slightest idea of what you’re supposed to be doing there or how to manage your own finances, make sure to better stay at home. In order to prevent a huge financial disaster in your life, make sure to have basic math skills.
Traveling
When fueling up for a trip, travelers tend to consider their miles per one gallon. They should calculate both – time and money, when planning a trip in order to find out the departure times and potential arrival hours. They must know the weight of the luggage when traveling by plane. Once they get on the board, basic aviation-related math skills are helpful to calculate the attitude, speed and flying time.
Working
If your dream job is the one within the finance or business segment, sophisticated knowledge of math is a must. At the same time, even hourly earners need to know if their payment accurately reflects the working hours.
As you see, we can’t spend the day without using Math here or there. We’re living in the world of numbers that help us to solve everyday problems. Studying math will enable you to make routine a bit easier.
References:
- Why Learn Maths? Steve Bramall and John White (ed), Institute of Education, London (2000).
- Pupils to Study Maths up to 18 to Address Numeracy Crisis www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9381862/Pupils-to-study-maths-up-to-18-to-address-numeracy-crisis.html Graeme Paton, 6 July 2012.
- Transfer of learning in problem solving in the context of mathematics and physics. N. Rebello, L. Cui, A. Bennett, D. Zollman ane D. Ozimek, Lawrence Earlbaum, Mahwah (2007).
- Mathematising in practice. C. Hoyles, R. Noss and S. Pozzi (pp. 48-62) In ‘Rethinking the mathematics curriculum’, Falmer Press, London (1999).
- What Mathematics for All? Geoffrey Howson, Mathematical Association of America, www.maa.org/ql/pgs225_228.pdf
- Is Algebra Necessary? www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/opinion/sunday/is-algebra-necessary.html Andrew Hacker, 28 July 2012.
- In measure, number, and weight: Studies in mathematics and culture. Høyrup, J. Albany: SUNY Press. (1994).