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Why do you like maths?
By James Ralph on Saturday, November 24, 2001 - 09:14 pm:

I am interested to know what it is about maths that appeals to other people ? especially people studying to the same and to a higher level than myself?

I have always been interested in puzzles and my interest has grown from there, through to wanting to do a maths degree.

This follows on to, when I read certain threads here or pieces in maths books I really have no idea what is being spoken about. I understand this is because I have not been taught it and have not gone through from the beginning but rather 'jumped in at the deep end', and cannot possibly expect to understand this things straight away. This raises the following question : Do you reach a point in studying maths where you just have to accept methods ?

What I mean is: I am currently studying 2 maths A levels, and every topic I have studied so far has 'made sense', I can see why it works and what the thinking is behind a certain method or theorum, I understand why it is necessary and how it can be utilised.( I have probably shown great ignorance in thinking this as I have probably been given 'watered down' proofs and explanations for the most complex maths, sorry if I am guilty of this) I do not mean I could always rigourously prove it in all cases. Does this understanding reach a limit ? Do you get to a point where you have to trust you teacher / lecturer / text book and just perform and memorise techniques without really appreciating the thinking behind them?

By Arun Iyer on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 06:24 am:

well ralph...
maths is all about numbers...
as for me its somethings about numbers that is attractive......think about it.....simple application of arithmetic and its blending with certain theory solves the most daunting problems in various fields...the numbers are versatile(flexible so as to say)....i just don't seem to find words to describe it more....

maths is unlimited and so are one's thoughts....there is always an explanation for everything in maths...after all maths is all about logic and application of logic...so there is no such point where you have to just accept methods....and also there are no limits to one's understanding...

no one has to memorize absolutely anything in maths......
ofcourse..one has to trust his textbook(if one feels that his teacher is not capable enough to make him understand...well..this is quite a rare case...)when is say trust,i don't mean blind following but a more rationalistic approach...do you catch my drift???

love arun

By Yatir Halevi on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 03:21 pm:

Ofcourse, if You feel that you need more than what the teacher/lecturer/textbook is giving you, you can always find the neccesary information/proof.
The internet IS Vast, and so is a library...
Math to me is like....Making up and imaginary box, you have no idea if it really exists, and don't know how it works, but each day you find new properties and things it can do, that amaze you. Like build all cities, give you endless amount of power (electrical) and/or food....:-)

The real question is what is a 'number' and does it exists, and how come it is so entriquing...


Yatir

By Henrik Densing Petersen Henrik on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:34 pm:

I don't know, and I don't really care.
Maybe in my dna it says something like "MATH = FUN & EXCITING".

By Jenny Peters on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 06:40 pm:

I would say that it is very easy to look at something new - decide it is far too complex and generally loose all hope of ever having any concept of it. However, sometimes if you do look closer and do stop and think sometimes things you thought you'd never understand can make sense and I think that gives you the greatest satisfaction of all and is what it's all about. Whether you get it from a teacher, lecturer or book the moment when you understand is the moment you see what the point of it is.
By the way, what are the two maths A-Levels your taking? I'm only asking as I'm dabbling in maths or further maths (I'm not too clear what falls into each category) in extension classes now and wonder what you come to do when you study it for real exams.
Can anyone give me a brief explanation or general experiences are good! Thank you!

By Julian Pulman on Wednesday, December 05, 2001 - 09:32 pm:

One of the most satisfying thing in the world is coming to a solution of a really hard problem by yourself. One of the things which motivates me with maths is exactly that, the intellectual challenge, why are things the way they are? can I prove it? if not, why not?

Wonderful :)