Consider Mathematics as the most useful and easiest subject

Birendra Laishram *

Ramanujan, the Maths Wizard :: Pix - S Balakrishnan

Children born in this era possess a wisdom that surpasses that of children from millennia past. Therefore, it is essential to discard any notion that your capabilities are limited compared to those who lived ages ago. Dismiss any lingering doubt that you are incapable of surpassing their achievements.

Never entertain the thought that mathematical problems, even those with origins stretching back countless years, are beyond your grasp or unworthy of your affection. Embrace the challenge; they are not insurmountable obstacles.

If you aspire to achieve success in life, a solid understanding of mathematics is indispensable. Familiarizing yourself with mathematical principles and concepts is paramount to reaching your goals. Becoming proficient in mathematics can directly translate to improved performance in academic settings.

You are likely to attain higher marks in examinations if you dedicate yourself to the study of mathematics and cultivate a mathematical mind-set. The key to mastering mathematics is diligent revision. Reviewing the material two or three times should be sufficient to solidify your understanding and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

Do not fall into the trap of perceiving mathematics as an inherently difficult subject. Refrain from viewing it as an insurmountable barrier. Mathematics is not an exclusive domain reserved for a select few.

Consider the fact that individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their level of formal education, possess a practical understanding of mathematical concepts. Both literate and illiterate individuals utilize mathematical principles in their daily routines. Given this universal understanding, why should you believe yourself incapable of comprehending and appreciating mathematics ? If others can grasp it, so can you.

Mathematics is, without a doubt, a captivating blend of artistic expression and scientific inquiry. It is a fascinating art form and a powerful science, interwoven into the fabric of our understanding of the world. Indeed, mathematics is a very fascinating art and a fascinating science.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of sharing more captivating facts, intriguing concepts, and compelling narratives related to mathematics with children. I'd be happy to share more interesting facts and concepts to narrate to children, enriching their understanding and sparking their curiosity about this fascinating field.

Here are some famous mathematicians who struggled in their early educational endeavours:

Isaac Newton (1643-1727)

Newton was a poor student in elementary school and was removed from school to work on the family farm. He later attended King's School in Grantham, where he excelled in mathematics and was encouraged to attend university. He started thinking why ripe apples fall on the surface and not fly over the sky. His question discovered that the earth has gravitational power.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Einstein failed his entrance exams to the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School and had to re-take them a year later. He struggled in school due to his independent nature and dislike of rote learning. There is one interesting story where the bus conductors asked him if knows no mathematics when Einstein argued the money returned by the bus conductor is incorrect.

Archimedes (c. 287 BC - c. 212 BC)

Archimedes was not a diligent student in his youth and was often distracted by his own curiosity and interests. He later became one of the most influential mathematicians and engineers of the ancient world.

Lost in a complex calculation on the floor, the man remained unmindful to the king's urgent order to come. So absorbed was he that he ignored the royal command, an unintentional defiance deemed a grave insult. Consequently, the king sent soldiers who assassinated him for his perceived insubordination, a tragic end born of intense concentration.

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Aristotle was not a strong student in his early years and was often criticized by his teacher, Plato. He later became one of the most influential philosophers and scientists of the ancient world.

Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827)

Laplace was a poor student in elementary school and was rejected by the University of Caen. He later attended the University of Paris, where he excelled in mathematics and became one of the leading mathematicians of his time.

Evariste Galois (1811-1832)

Galois was a rebellious student who struggled in school due to his unconventional thinking and behaviour. He later became one of the most influential mathematicians of the 19th century, making significant contributions to group theory and abstract algebra.

George Cantor (1845-1918)

Cantor was a slow learner in his early years and was often criticized by his teachers. He later became one of the most influential mathematicians of the 19th century, making significant contributions to set theory and topology.

Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920)

Ramanujan was a self-taught mathematician who struggled in school due to his unconventional thinking and lack of formal education. He later became one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, making significant contributions to number theory and modular forms.

These mathematicians demonstrate that success in mathematics is not solely determined by early academic achievement. Perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for learning can ultimately lead to greatness.

Math in Nature : Snowflakes (Small, unique ice crystals that fall from the atmosphere as precipitation, typically forming intricate patterns) have six-fold symmetry, which is a mathematical concept.

The arrangement of leaves on a stem follows a mathematical pattern called the Fibonacci (refers to a specific mathematical sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...) where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

This sequence, and related ratios, appear in the spiral patterns of leaf arrangements, maximizing sunlight exposure sequence. The shape of a nautilus (In the context of a mathematical spiral, a nautilus refers to a type of sea creature with a distinctive shell that grows in a logarithmic spiral shape) shell is a mathematical spiral.

Math in Art : The Mona Lisa's smile is a mathematical curve called a parabola. The ancient Greeks used mathematical concepts to design and build their iconic structures, such as the Parthenon. MC Escher's artwork often features mathematical concepts, such as tessellations (patterns made by repeating shapes that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps, covering a surface like tiles) and impossible constructions.

Math in Music : Music has a mathematical structure, with rhythms and melodies following patterns and sequences. The Fibonacci sequence appears in the arrangement of notes in some musical compositions. The mathematical concept of symmetry is used in music composition to create balance and harmony.

Math in Games : Chess is a mathematical game, with strategies and moves based on mathematical concepts like geometry and algebra. Sudoku is a mathematical puzzle, requiring logic and reasoning to solve. Video games often use mathematical concepts, such as geometry and trigonometry, to create 3D graphics and simulate real-world physics.

Math in Real-Life Scenarios : Measuring ingredients for cooking, scaling recipes, and converting between units; calculating prices for shopping, discounts, and sales tax.

Travel : Measuring distances, directions, and times between locations.

Mathematical Curiosities

The number p (pi) is an irrational number, which means it can't be expressed as a simple fraction.

The number e (Euler's number) is a mathematical constant that shows up in many mathematical formulas.

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ...)

Mathematical Puzzles

The Monty Hall problem : A probability puzzle that involves making a choice and then being given additional information.

The prisoner's hat puzzle : A logic puzzle that involves using math to figure out the color of your own hat.

The tower of Hanoi : A mathematical puzzle that involves moving disks from one peg to another, following certain rules.

Pyramids

The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt are a treasure trove of mathematical concepts and ideas. Here are some fascinating examples:

1. Geometric Shapes
- The Pyramids are perfect examples of geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and rectangles.
- The base of the Pyramid is a square, while the sides are triangles that meet at the apex.

2. Golden Ratio
- The Pyramids' dimensions are believed to be based on the Golden Ratio (f), an irrational number approximately equal to 1.618.
- The Golden Ratio is an essential element in mathematics, appearing in many natural patterns and shapes.

3. Pi (p)
- The Pyramids' circumference and diameter are related to the mathematical constant pi (p).
- The ancient Egyptians may have used an approximate value of p to construct the Pyramids.

4. Symmetry
- The Pyramids exhibit perfect symmetry, with each side being a mirror image of the other.
- This symmetry is a fundamental concept in mathematics, appearing in geometry, algebra, and other branches.

5. Fractals:
- The Pyramids' shape can be seen as a fractal, a mathematical concept that exhibits self-similarity at different scales.
- Fractals appear in many natural patterns, such as the branching of trees or the flow of rivers.