11 Facts About Mathematics

Mathematics (credit: apsce)

There is a certain respect for Mathematics. Maybe that topic you hated in school or that which you silently adored but were unable to publicly acknowledge. It has been praised for multiple scientific discoveries and attacked for innumerable challenges. In any case, one aspect is certain: Mathematics is not uninteresting at all. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals are unable to appreciate how strange, wonderful, and extraordinarily imaginative it may be. Behind the never-ending formulas and pop quizzes, there is a universe where forms defy logic, equations frequently lack solutions, and sometimes the most popular card trick could be a hidden mathematical challenge. Regardless of whether you are an expert in Mathematics or continue to have memories from algebra lessons, these 11 facts will make you re-evaluate your knowledge of the topic and possibly even give you a fresh perspective.

1. Mathematics Has Inspired Entire Branches of Philosophy: Kurt Gödel and Bertrand Russell were two philosophers who made use of Mathematics to challenge existence rather than merely experiment with it. Arguments over truth, logic, as well as awareness have been ignited by math's accuracy and organization. Indeed, according to certain philosophers, numbers may be greater in reality than the tangible things in our environment. You are not by yourself if that causes you to have a crisis of belief.

2. Mathematics Can Describe Chaos With Precision: "Chaos" and "Mathematics" seem like diametrically opposed concepts. Mathematics can represent the laws that govern chaotic systems, such as the stock market, traffic patterns, and weather. Realistic equations support the butterfly effect, which states that a small modification made to a single component of a system can have a significant impact on other parts of the system. Mathematics is therefore able to clarify why a Tokyo sneeze could ruin your picnic.

3. Mathematics Has Numbers That Exist But Cannot Exactly be Expressed: Have you ever attempted to write down the square root of two (√2), or pi (π)? You cannot entirely. They are referred to as irrational numbers, and they never recur. Yes, we make use of approximations, but we are never quite there. You understand the concept, however it is not precisely correct, similar to when you attempt to draw the ideal circle with a crayon.

4. Mathematics Can Help Detect Fraud in Financial Data: This is unexpectedly useful. Benford's Law illustrates how some numbers show up regularly in actual data. The statistics might not adhere to this natural trend if somebody has manipulated the records, which is a warning sign. Consider it the spreadsheet version of CSI.

5. Mathematics Has Patterns That Appear in Nature Everywhere: Examine a hurricane, a pinecone, or a sunflower. They adhere to mathematical principles like the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. The natural world seems to have a preferred music that has been playing continuously for millions of years.

6. Mathematics Has Equations With no Numerical Answers: It is impossible to solve certain equations for a number. They are actually unsolvable. Certain approaches use imaginary numbers, which are completely legitimate in mathematics. This is not conceptual crap. Engineering, quantum physics, and signal processing, the technology that enables your Spotify stream, all make implementation of imaginary numbers.

7. Mathematics Can Compress Data For Storage & Streaming: Has your smartphone ever played a video without pausing every five seconds? Thank you, Mathematics. Advanced equations are used by compression algorithms to decrease file sizes without sacrificing quality. In the age of technology, it is how we send, store, and stream images, videos, and music.

8. Mathematics Has Helped Send Humans to The Moon: Apollo 11 would not have been possible without the mathematical computations of orbital mechanics, trajectory planning, and fuel calculations. What could be more outrageous? Katherine Johnson and other talented (and under-appreciated) human "computers" performed a large portion of the calculations manually. They did more than merely work out equations. They determined the most secure route across space.

9. Mathematics has shapes with infinite surface area but finite volume: This is where your brain gets confused by Mathematics. Consider a shape that could accommodate a spoonful of paint, but you would require an endless supply of paint to paint its entire surface. There are such shapes. These contradictions are known as "Gabriel's Horn" as well as others. If your brain is uncomfortable, do not panic. That is a typical reaction.

10. Mathematics Can Generate Art & Music: Fractals. compositions created by algorithms. Video game procedural design. Many of the most inventive things that people have ever created are the result of Mathematics, which is more than simply the art of calculating. Mathematical patterns are even present in Beethoven's symphonies. As it happens, beauty can be measured.

11. Mathematics Can Explain Why Some Card Tricks Work: I was blown away by this particular one. Certain "magic" tricks are based on concepts such as modular arithmetic, permutations, and combinations. Therefore, even though it appears to be mind-reading, it is simply clever Mathematics. Simply laugh and inquire about their level of familiarity with number theory the following time somebody surprises you with a deck of cards.

Summary: Numbers Never Lie But They Sure Know How to Surprise

Mathematics has a poor reputation. It has been characterized as being excessively difficult, harsh, or monotonous. However, the more you examine it, the more you understand how strange, practical, and incredibly inventive it is. Mathematics is silently controlling everything, from launching rockets into space to enabling flawless Netflix binge-watching. It appears in philosophy, exists in the natural world, and it additionally spreads through card games and your Spotify playlist. Use one of these facts the following time somebody complains regarding Mathematics. Their perspective on arithmetic will undoubtedly change, even if they do not immediately find themselves in passion for it.