What is Mathematics? It seems like a simple enough question, but is it?

On the surface, it’s obvious that maths is all to do with numbers. But delve a little deeper, and maths is revealed to be much more complex. In fact, it’s actually something that’s all around us and involved in almost everything we do. It’s in nature, art, technology, it’s the language of science, it’s in music and dance; the list is endless!

Ernest (2000) states that it is important to appreciate “the role of mathematics in life and work, the importance of mathematics in commerce, economics (such as the stock market), telecommunications, information and communication technology, and the role it plays in representing, coding and displaying information. Also how mathematics is forever becoming more central to, but also more deeply and invisibly embedded in, all aspects of our daily life and experience.”

I stumbled across this video and feel it sums up how integral mathematics is to our lives and within wider society.

References 

Ernest, P. (2000) ‘Why teach mathematics?’ In Bramall, S. and White, J. (editors). Why Learn Maths? (pp.44-47). London: Bedford Way Papers.

The Beauty of Mathematics: available at: https://vimeo.com/77330591