Why Maths can help you with more in life than equations solving

Are you one of those people who find calculus, algebra, geometry, and anything to do with numbers challenging? Does math make you feel sleepy? Many people hate equations with a passion. Most of us are convinced that these equations have zero real-life applications.

If you’re one of the people allergic to numbers, then worry not. Maybe it’s not even your fault. Or, is there something you can do about it?

According to the Scientific American Journal, up to 20% of the population has a math developmental disability. This genetic flaw makes it difficult to understand mathematics. Numerical incompetence can also get triggered by Alzheimer’s, brain trauma, or stroke.

So, does that mean that people who find equations challenging won’t make it in life? That’s an incorrect assumption. That’s because every person gets wired differently. You can be an A math student, but not so good in the arts.

Proficiency in mathematics, however, does come with its fair share of upsides. Read on to learn how this science rewires your mind.

What is Math?

Nature is always lawful. The universe, and all that it is made of, is an endless series of fixed, immutable patterns. And those patterns, as evidenced by a couple of hundred years of calculation and observation, can be expressed in the language of mathematics.

Mathematics describes the fundamental equations that govern how our world works. To figure out the movement of particles in an atom has to involve set formulas and laws. The exact sizes and speeds of the closest galaxies would not have been possible without math.

How Math Rewires the Mind

Math is about making connections and finding patterns. Abstract thinking develops your brain’s muscles. Not surprisingly, many professors consider math to be food to our brains. Regular and repeated exposure to math leads to increased IQs.

The brain creates new neural pathways every time you learn new equations. The neural pathways, in turn, strengthen your problem-solving and analytic mindset. These pathways support your systemic reasoning. They make it easier to reach logical conclusions. Additionally, math expands the human mind. It enables us to handle unfamiliar problems or tasks with great ease.

Math turns us into problem solvers and critical thinkers. Problem-solving is a complex process. Here are the mental steps are taken to reach a mathematical solution:-

• Understanding the problem
• Exploring various entry points
• Selecting a solution strategy
• Looking back and reflecting

Apart from learning how to to apply mathematical ideas to unfamiliar situations, it also enhances:-

• Organization and structuring skills
• Information processing skills
• Creativity and critical thinking
• Intellectual latitude
• Decision making
• Communication skills

How Math Shapes Societies

Math is capable of shaping not only a single mind, but the thinking of an entire society. It is a universal language. After all, the discipline has contributions from all civilizations. Present-day mathematical principles trace their origins to many different cultures. These include Arabs, Mayans, Babylonians, Sumerians, Egyptians, among others.

Were it not for math, it’s possible, we’d still be in caves. Math helped advance civilizations. Cavemen invented formulas to hunt. Persians used algebra to construct proper homes. The Greeks used calculus to build awe-inspiring architectural feats. Americans and Russians used mathematics to send people into outer space.

Teaching Math in the Digital Age

The digital era demands everyone to have some basic math understanding to function. Of course, the more proficient you get, the more opportunities at your disposal. Most importantly, math provides you a whole new outlook and perspective.

Over time, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift in how math is taught. Math tutors are not only focused on empowering their students with procedural fluency. Nowadays, more emphasis is on empowering students with a deep conceptual understanding of applying equations in everyday living.

It’s not enough for students to memorize the, often complicated, equations. The learners need to learn how to connect the dots using the acquired mathematical principles. After all, this discipline is all about logic and reason. It has very little to do with rote memorization. Armed with mathematical abilities, humans can solve most, if not all, of life’s problems.

If you think the equations you’re learning are unnecessary, you need to hear this. Here’s how you use equations daily, without even realizing it.

Five everyday math applications

Cooking

Math allows you to deduce cooking recipes. There is a formula to add and subtract ingredients to whip up your meal. You need to multiply the ingredients to feed any number of guests.

Finances

Math enables you to create and balance your finances. You budget the available money to cater to all expenses. Arithmetic skills help you to go for the best sale offers.

Global awareness

Math plays a central role in increasing our awareness of the world. Mathematical contributions have helped to shed more light on global warming, vaccines, and nuclear energy. This discipline makes the world a better living space.

Careers

Maths greatly improve your verbal and writing skills. Mathematicians are skilled at making logical arguments and debates at the office. And as we all know, communication skills are an indispensable workplace asset. Furthermore, these skills are easily transferable to suit other professionals. This versatility sets you up for an endless number of career options.

Busting Myths

Mathematics has helped to debunk many myths and misconceptions in our history. The subject broadens your mind’s horizons. It inspires our curiosities. We are forced to question everything around us and not take things at face value. It was this curiosity that helped to prove the earth was not at the center of our universe.

Rewiring our minds to become better mathematicians

As is evident, math is everything. We need it all our lives. But, what can you do to improve your mathematical aptitude? Well, here are several hacks to make your mind more receptive to mathematics.

• Find a study buddy
• Hire a qualified tutor
• Use Studeo math app
• Analyze and understand your mistakes
• Take professional classes
• Learn the basics
• Be passionate
• Join challenges

Biggest Takeaways

Mathematics is a prerequisite course for many rewarding careers. To function in a global context, you need to have a certain level of numerical competence. Early exposure to math often precedes heightened logical skills and creativity.