As I sit down to write a few lines on my experience related to mathematics, I find myself at a loss to describe mathematics, as I understand. I have read that mathematics is a science related to numbers and their operations, measurements, and abstractions. This evokes memories of childhood and how I dreaded numbers. How I hated memorizing multiplication tables. When I was in elementary school, I failed to recite the multiplication tables and my teacher punished me. This had profound effect on my young psyche. She forced me to write the tables ten times because she felt that writing would help in memorizing. But as I grew up, I started understanding mathematics and the concept behind mathematics. The turning point came when I started helping my young relative mathematics. Instead forcing him to memorize, I guided him to the world of mathematics by telling stories. I encouraged him to think, to imagine, and to solve problems. I showed him the presence of mathematics everywhere, that even nature follows mathematical series. I showed him leaves on a stem follow Fibonacci series. My love for mathematics grew further while helping my son with his lessons.
As I grew up, I studied Algebra. I came to know the word “algebra” has been derived from the great Persian mathematician, Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. He first developed the concept of the algorithm in mathematics and equation of first order and second order in eighth century.
My interest in mathematics grew further while studying history of golden age of Islam specially ninth and tenth century when the development of decimal system and algebra took place. Like history are not only about remembering names and dates, but also to learn about the stories behind those historical events. Same way, there are many interesting facts behind the Pythagorean Theorem that tell us that the sum of squares of the sides of right-angled triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. It becomes interesting when we discuss Pythagorean triples, and the fusion of numbers with geometry (Stillwell 1).
I find use of mathematics in every sphere of life whether doing daily chore, in business, in scientific research, or in industry. But how from counting, and doing simple arithmetic, mathematics progressed in sophistication makes an interesting reading. They look for patterns. From the patterns, a proposition or conjecture) is formulated and then seek proof.
I have chosen to major in mathematics because I like the subject. I am eager to make sense of abstract concepts and understand its complexities and its beauty. I think as I learn, I will grow. I do not want to give ulterior purpose to my study. I may choose academic research as a career path or a career in business, economics and banking. With strong analytic and problem-solving skills, there will be a wide range of opportunities. The mathematics major adapts to a number of aspirations. It can also be easily combined with study in another subject in chemistry, biology or physics.
Work Cited
Courant, R., Robbins,H., & Stewart, I. “What is mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods,” 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 1996. Print.
Lockhart, P. “A Mathematician's Lament”. Bellevue Literary Press, U.S.A., 2009. Kindle Edition.
Stillwell, J. Mathematics and Its History, third edition, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 2010. Print.
