General Mathematics in the Modern World ( GMMW )

Students should be able to :

1. Get acquainted with what Math is;

2. Understand the nature of Math;
3. Understand how nature of Math influences the learning of Math.

What is Math?

1. Is it only counting?
2. Is it only measuring?
3. Is it only quantifying science?

NO, Math is more than all these even taken together.

Aristotle defined it as:

Science which shows up quality forms and local motions , seeking figures , numbers and
magnitude and also place, time and similar things . . . . it can be conceived through senses and
without senses.

Encyclopedia of Math:

The science of structure, order and relation that has evolved from element of particles of
counting , measuring and describing the shapes of an object.

Comprehensively Math is :

 A Science
 More than just Arithmetic
 Problem posing and problem solving both
 Can find and study patterns and relationship
 A language
 Path of independent thinking
 Way of and tool of thinking
 Changing and expanding body of knowledge
 Useful for everyone.

Five basic qualifying parameters which explain the nature of Math:

A. Mathematics is Logical
- Accepted as branch of logic.
#. All concepts: arithmetic , algebra and analysis can be defined in terms of concept of
logic.
#. Induction / deduction as basic processes of math operates on logic.

Examples:

Proof 1:

1. Two even numbers when added together give another even numbers.
 Cannot be proved only through observation.
 Requires to take several examples to prove generalization.

Proof 2 :
 2+4=6 6 + 8 = 14

2+6=8 12 + 16 = 28

Specific examples , leading to generalization .

“ Two even numbers when added together gives another even numbers”.

B. Mathematics is symbolic:
- Accords symbols for converting problems in clear and precise formats to be solved
and communicated.

Ex 1. Simple to put : Two hundred when multiplied by ten gives two thousand.

In Math : 200 x 10 = 2000

Ex 2 . Simple to put: Ten is greater than five but smaller than 15.

In Math : 5 ‹ 10 ‹ 15

C. Mathematics is precise
- Means accuracy and exactness

Ex1. Circle : A 2 dimensional figure drawn through taking a center has radius ( r) diameter (
2r ) circumference ( 2ᴫ ) and area ( ᴫr2 ).

Ex 2 . Square : A plane figure with four equal straight sides ( a) and four right angles having
perimeter ( 4a ) and area a2.

Ex 3. Pi ( ᴫ ) : A mathematical constant equivalent to numerical value of 22 / 7.

 Precision in math concepts enables understanding the objects in real life.

 Leaves no score for ambiguity and doubt.
 Implies objectivity , certainly correctness and completeness.
 Comparison is best to make children discover the preciseness of mathematics.

D . Mathematics is the study of Structure

- Means arrangement , compositions , configuration , order , form or system.

- Or broadly arrangements of knowledge into different structure sets to be used in
pre-defined manners while carrying operations.

Ex. Hierarchical structure of numbers system

Set of natural numbers
↓
Set of whole numbers
↓
Set of integers
↓
Set of natural numbers
E . Mathematics aims abstraction
* Refers to concept being apart from the material object.
* Aspires to symbolic representations to concise the problem to make it
comprehendible
 * aspires to develop children’s observation to understand the phenomena around
them symbolically without control representation

PATTERNS
Def. are regular repeated or recurring forms of design.
One thing must be clear at this point, though mathematics is not all about numbers.
Rather , it is more about reasoning , making logical inferences and generalizations , and
seeing relationships in both the visible and invisible patterns in the natural world.

Sequence – is an ordered list of numbers called terms, that may have repeated values.
The terms of a sequence could be generated by applying the rule to previous terms of a
sequence.

Mathematics is also known as the science of patterns.

Two types of patterns:
1. Numeric patterns
2. Geometric patterns ( pattern of shapes )

Ex. of numeric patterns:

A. What number or letter comes next

1. 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , ____
2. A , C , E , G , I , ____
3. 15, 10, 14, 10, 13, 10, ____
4. 3 , 6 , 12, 24, 48 , _____
5. 27 , 30 , 33 , 36 , _____
6. 1 , 4 , 9 , 16, _____

B. Fibonacci Sequence – is formed by adding the preceding two numbers, beginning with
0 & 1.
0 , 1, 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 8, 13 , 21 , . . . . . .
Fibonacci the man:
Real name : Leonardo Pisano Bogollo
1170 - 1250
Fibonacci Day: November 23

Examples of patterns of shapes:

1. Vibrant designs of flowers and leaves of certain plants.

2. Fascinating designs in the skin of some animals.
3. Formation of clouds- practically used to asses the possible occurrence of an
atmospheric phenomenon like rain or even a storm.

Man –made patterns

1. Symmetric designs of bridge support

2. Wind mills
3. House roofs etc.

Mathematics as a language:

Although mathematics and the English language have many things in common in terms of
structure , the rules in mathematics are stricter and some forms are more complicated. The
following items summarize some unique characteristics of the mathematical language.

1. It is precise because it can be stated clearly.

2. It is concise because it can be stated briefly.
 3. It is powerful because it is capable of expressing complex ideas into simpler forms.
4. It is non-temporal ( has no tenses ) which makes it so unique as compared to any
languages.
5. It also has vocabulary and parts of speech.

Parts of speech for Mathematics:

Just like any ordinary language , mathematics also has syntax and structure which can be
categorized into five forms.

1. Numbers – are the very first symbols that can be used to represent quantity. These are
nouns ( objects ) in the English language.
2. Operation symbols like + , ^ , and v can act as connectives in a mathematical sentence.
3. Relation symbols such as = , ≤ , and ῀ are use for comparison and act as verbs in the
mathematical language.
4. Grouping symbols such as ( ) , { } , and [ ] are used to associate groups of numbers
and operators.
5. Variables are letters that represent quantities and act as pronouns.

A mathematical expression refers to objects of interest acting as a subject in the ordinary

language. A sentence with a complete thought is a mathematical sentence which can be
regarded as true or false.

Example 1 :

a. 4
b. -5
c. 5+2
d. 2e
All do not state complete thoughts

Example 2 :

a. 5 plus 2 is equal to the square root of 49

5 + 2 = √49 Here the symbol “ + “ is a connective while “ = “ is the verb. The

sentence is true.
b. 10 divided by 2 is less than 3.

10 / 2 < 3 , the symbol “ / “ is a connective while the operator “ < “ acts as the verb.
The statement is false.

Example 3 :

Which of the following are sentences :

a. Manila is the capital of the Philippines.

b. The province of Iloilo
c. The number 5 is a composite number.
d. ( x + 1 ) 2
e. √ x – 1 = 3

Solution

a. This is an English sentence with “ is “ as the verb. The truth value is true since it is true
that Manila is the capital of Philippines.
b. This is not a complete thought because it does not contain any verb.
c. This is a mathematical sentence with “ is “ acting as verb. The statement is false.
d. This is just a mathematical expression which does not contain any relational symbols.
e. This is a mathematical sentence with symbol
“ = “ acting as verb . This sentence is true only for x = 10.