After writing about the importance of chemistry in our everyday lives last week, one of my golfing companions asked why I didn’t write about math.
All sciences are important in our lives.
Physics explains everything from how a golf ball flies to the super-giant black hole at the heart of our galaxy. Biology examines everything from elephants to a corona virus. Biochemistry explains the molecular mechanisms which allow our cells to function and which unite all life on our planet. Geology provides an understanding of the rocks and soil upon which all life depends.
Science, all science, is important to life on Earth. And an understanding of science enriches our ability to prosper.
Mathematics is arguably the fundamental language of science. For example, the relationship between mass and velocity provides an understanding of how and why a golf ball flies the way it does. Indeed, a former student once told me reading a physics book increased the length of his drives by over 100 metres. I only wish I knew what book he read!
The equations of physics which govern motion, velocity, acceleration, and friction are all written in the language of mathematics. But it isn’t just the equations of physics which rely on mathematics. Chemistry, biology, geology, and all of the sciences are written in the language of mathematics. It tells us how things relate and perhaps more importantly it sometimes tells us why things relate.
Mathematics also explores worlds other than our own. It is mathematics which allows us to launch rockets to Mars, Jupiter, and beyond. It is the beauty of mathematical equations that they also allow us to imagine entirely different universes.
In our everyday life, math allows us to exchange money for goods. It allows us to keep track of finances. It is required for baking a cake or making souffle. It monitors our elections. Through statistics, it can tell us about Canadians. And it is at the heart of computers.
As the school year comes to a close and students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 envision a summer ahead free from textbooks and lessons, it is well to remember that what we learn in school is the knowledge we need for life. Mathematics is both beautiful and fundamental.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
