Math
Students will often question the purpose of studying specific subjects in school and hound teachers about when such information will ever be valuable in real life situations. Perhaps some of the most frequently questioned subjects is statistics and math. Although students rarely receive an answer that satisfies them, I know as I was one of them, the truth is that math and statistics are extremely important and have a practical use in everyday life. Statistics and math go hand in hand. Math and statistics are very important tools that are used to organize and quantify empirical data. Statistics is defined as the science that concerns collecting, interpreting, and analyzing numerical data. Mathematics is the study of measuring and determining relationships between quantities using numbers. Statistics is a type of math, as is geometry, algebra and trigonometry.
Math and Statistics both require the use of formulas. Simple math equations include addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. As one spends more time studying mathematics, the equations and formulas increase in difficulty. A student will start by studying simple math, then move onto formulas for area, graphing, integrals and deviations, and when a student has mastered these topics they will move onto statistics. Statistics uses formulas in order to calculate error and confidence intervals. This allows an individual or company to recognize the accuracy of a given quantity and give them and idea about how confident they can be about their data and results.
Math and statistics are not only used by mathematicians and statisticians, but by people in all areas of life, from scientists to cashiers in retail. Math and statistics are considered to be tools that are used by people in occupations ranging from physicists to business men. How could business men make money without the use of math? Every construction on the face of the Earth requires the use of math. An architect could not construct buildings without it nor could fashion designers create beautiful clothing without using measurements. Statistics and math allow one to back up claims with numerical data. For example, if someone claims that Native Americans make up only 1.5% of the population, this information can be tested by collecting information in censuses and examining the data. Math and statistics are used in everyday life from balancing checkbooks, to counting change, to baking. When making cookies one must use simple math to produce accurate measurements. Individuals do not realize how much math they are actually using on an every day basis.
Statistics and math may seem tricky, overwhelming and daunting, but don’t stress out. With a little bit of discipline, practice and daily study you’ll get that hang of it in no time. However, make sure you don’t fall behind. Once you fall behind in math it is very easy to get stuck there because t is essential to understand the basic principles before you can move on to harder and more intense ideas and formulas. Math can be fun and satisfying when you get the hang of it, like a jigsaw puzzle.
