Math and the Natural World
Math can be described as a study of how to count, calculate, evaluate, or solve for a specific number or series of numbers. It includes the study of these topics in such a way as to produce an accurate answer that is used in business or daily living. Math is used in all areas from engineering, computer science, and agriculture to medicine and dentistry. Mathematicians, also called “mathematicians,” are individuals in various fields who are frequently awarded Nobel prizes for their significant contributions to math.
The field of mathematics is vast and extremely complex, involving innumerable numbers of topics and sub-disciplines. Mathematicians develop advanced techniques and use complicated equations to describe natural world objects. Most mathematically inclined people tend to become politicians, investing in businesses or creating new tools for the government. However, the most important aspect of math is that it can never be mastered. Mathematicians are constantly exploring new ideas in order to advance the field. In addition, some mathematically inclined people become notorious scientists because many discoveries have been made by those who are not mathematically educated.
Mathematicians develop their ideas by working with others in a systematic fashion. They then test their ideas by applying them to real-world situations. When new facts are discovered, mathematically knowledgeable people try to apply their new concepts to further understand how science and other natural phenomena work. The process of discovery is known as scientific theory. When mathematically savvy individuals venture into areas of pure science, such as physics, they do not become experts in the more natural, everyday aspects of life, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Not all scientists are able to put together all the different threads of evidence that they need in order to prove a scientific fact. For instance, a scientist may observe that solar flares cause the planets in our solar system to move closer together. If an instrument is capable of detecting the smallest amounts of radiation or light that travels through space at different speeds, it can be used to measure the distance between heavenly bodies. By using mathematical techniques, the scientists can then determine how fast the space rock moved away from the planet. A math problem can solve a difficult scientific problem, thus proving the validity of mathematics in the natural sciences.
Some people do not feel that there is a connection between math and the natural sciences. However, those who disagree with the notion that math actually has a direct link to the natural phenomena that it is used to study, often point out the large number of mathematical equations that cannot be solved by a simple solution. For instance, if a student wants to find out the value of a number that is written on a piece of paper, he or she will not be able to immediately answer the question, “How much is this number worth?” Math cannot magically make a math problem appear obvious.
An excellent way to demonstrate the connection between math and the natural phenomena that it is studied is by using deductive reasoning. A proof is a deduction, which is a logical procedure for proving something is true. In order to achieve this goal, the student must apply a line of reasoning to support the conclusion that is drawn. Deduction requires the student to draw a conclusion based upon a set of assumptions. This type of reasoning is used in science classes for many reasons, such as the periodic table or other scientific diagrams. Although it can be challenging for students to apply the concepts needed in this subject matter, they will find that it is well worth the effort once they see the verification of their conclusions.
The relationship between math and the other subjects in science may be evident when students explore the relationship between math and the natural sciences. In these classes, students will be required to analyze the relationship between math and the different branches of science. Two examples include the study of cellular physiology and genetics, which are concerned with the construction of living organisms. Math instructors will sometimes integrate examples of these topics with lectures on biology, chemistry, physics, or genetics in order to demonstrate the connection between math and the physical sciences.
Math instructors also use math examples in order to demonstrate the connection between math and the life sciences. Life scientists use math to examine the various systems in nature. For example, plant systems must be analyzed to determine how plants grow, reproduce, survive, die, and evolve. The same analysis can be applied to the human body and how certain diseases are spread. Students can learn about the relationships between math and the natural world in courses such as those offered through math certification programs or online courses. In addition, future job seekers can benefit from a background in math by developing a deeper understanding of the computer science, engineering, and biology that often go hand-in-hand with math.