In Defense of Mathematics

I taught mathematics for a living for 7 years and then went on to a career in computer programming, software development and management.  So I never asked the question "Why should I study this stuff? I'll never use it".  But I heard that whine over and over in my teaching days. Math seems to be the principal whipping boy for this critique. Do students ask "Why should I read Shakespeare? Why should I study Newton's 3 laws? Who cares about the Civil War?" What's the valence of sodium? Really?"  

Well, ok, sure they do.  But nevertheless, you don't necessarily know what's good for you.   

I would make the argument that math is beautiful, but that just brought eye-rolls.  I'd argue that math is the underpinning of all the science and if you want a career in science or science related, you better learn math. But the ultimate argument is that math teaches you how to think logically, and that is a skill that applies to most everything you do.  It's not about memorizing your times tables all the way up to 9x7 = 56 or all those word problems you struggled with [if a canoe is traveling 6 mph in Stillwater , how fast is it going in Hastings. - it's a nerd joke] or memorizing the quadratic equation.  These tasks build a foundation for logical, creative problem solving.

Math trains your brain. Much like physical activity helps keep your body fit, math keeps your mind nimble so you can avoid being intimidated by new tasks you might face.  And these brain calisthenics improve your memory - think Alzheimer's vaccine.  Not to mention, in this day and age of creeping AI, reasoning skills will help you identify scams rather than succumb to them. It's also not about being right all the time.  Math teaches you to try different approaches and to be persistent. 

There are loads of things in your life that are "mathematical", even if you don't realize it.

• Board games, crosswords, sudoko, puzzles
• Reflecting on the news. Understanding arguments, interpreting graphs and diagrams, box scores
• Understanding financial information. Creating a budget.
• Following recipe instructions
• Math and music skills have a strong correlation. I hired a few music majors as programmers
• Managing your prescription drugs. It's 10 mg AM & PM, not 20 mg every other day. 
• Cheating on your golf score.
• Calculating how much you've lost in your crypto account
• Creating your itinerary for your next road trip
• Navigating your way around a website
• Making that difficult pool shot
• Calculating your batting average
• ...

You really should be asking yourself "when do I not use math?".

I have become increasingly concerned over American illiteracy in general - and math illiteracy in particular. Math needs defending.  It is massively under appreciated.  Someone's gotta do it.

Copyright ©  2024 Dave Hoplin,  MS Mathematics,'71