Any math buffs here?

[Mike_Yates]

Are there any math buffs here? If so, I have a few questions for them.

My math skills are terrible and my math comprehension does not exceed basic arithmetic.

*In algebra/geometry/trigonometry, why are letters used in place of numbers?
*What is the usage and meaning of the symbols used in advanced maths such as calculus?
*What is algebra/geo/trig used for?
*Other than in science and engineering, is there any use for advanced-level mathematics?
*Do mathematicians have extremely high intelligence?

 

[Byron In Exile]

Are there any math buffs here? If so, I have a few questions for them.

My math skills are terrible and my math comprehension does not exceed basic arithmetic.

*In algebra/geometry/trigonometry, why are letters used in place of numbers?
*What is the usage and meaning of the symbols used in advanced maths such as calculus?
*What is algebra/geo/trig used for?
*Other than in science and engineering, is there any use for advanced-level mathematics?
*Do mathematicians have extremely high intelligence?

LT thinks you need to know Calculus in order to be able to program computers.

 

[oggbashan]

Are there any math buffs here? If so, I have a few questions for them.

My math skills are terrible and my math comprehension does not exceed basic arithmetic.

1*In algebra/geometry/trigonometry, why are letters used in place of numbers?
2*What is the usage and meaning of the symbols used in advanced maths such as calculus?
3*What is algebra/geo/trig used for?
4*Other than in science and engineering, is there any use for advanced-level mathematics?
5*Do mathematicians have extremely high intelligence?

1. to represent numerals that are not known (until the equation is applied) so:

In a right angled triangle, the square on the hypoteneuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides or if the hypoteneuse is called a, and the other two sides b and c, then the formula is a squared = b squared plus c squared. A well known version is the 3,4,5 method because 5 squared = 3 squared plus 4 squared.

2. How many days have you got for me to cut and paste a textbook that you wouldn't understand?

3. Algebra -to find numbers that you don't know. Geometry - to work out spatial relationships such as how much carpet you would need for an odd shaped room; Trigonometry - to produce maps with accurate heights and distances.

4. Yes. Statistics.

5. No. They just need to pay attention in classes.

 

[Byron In Exile]

1. to represent numerals that are not known (until the equation is applied) so:

In a right angled triangle, the square on the hypoteneuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides or if the hypoteneuse is called a, and the other two sides b and c, then the formula is a squared = b squared plus c squared. A well known version is the 3,4,5 method because 5 squared = 3 squared plus 4 squared.

2. How many days have you got for me to cut and paste a textbook that you wouldn't understand?

3. Algebra -to find numbers that you don't know. Geometry - to work out spatial relationships such as how much carpet you would need for an odd shaped room; Trigonometry - to produce maps with accurate heights and distances.

4. Yes. Statistics.

5. No. They just need to pay attention in classes.

I'm pretty sure you lost him at "hypoteneuse."

 

[oggbashan]

I'm pretty sure you lost him at "hypoteneuse."

I'm sure I did.

I don't consider myself a math buff - just numerate.

But I found that very few of my fellow staff could read a company's published accounts and see whether the company was doing well or not.

 

[HAL_9000]

Some people should not be taught math.

We don't need Mike knowing how to balance chemical equations.

 

[Mike_Yates]

I'm pretty sure you lost him at "hypoteneuse."

http://www.gradeway.com/lessons/math/img/tri_hypotenuse.gif

 

[Hooey_rorynALT]

Hooey! Well done Mikey, and bonus points for starting a thread that isn`t racist! Hooey!