Can Numbers Be Fun?

May 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Commutative diagram for morphism.
Image via Wikipedia

Studying math in school isn’t commonly considered fun. Children and adults alike may struggle with basic and complex computations, even when they have a good grasp of mathematics. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers, a blog dedicated to celebrated mathematician Andrew Grothendieck, says yes.

Math doesn’t have to feel like a frightening entity, a subject best-reserved for brainy, scientific minds. Fun With Numbers explores how math affects even the ordinary and the everyday, everything from bank loans to the boiling point of water. Using the ideas expressed by Andrew Grothendieck, Fun With Numbers shows that math can be a recreational activity, not just a subject to be studied in school. Grothendieck is a celebrity in the world of mathematics, an award-winning scientist who later refused to accept the many honors heaped upon him.

From competitive math to every day computations, Fun With Numbers explains how math relates to daily life in a casual, relatable way that makes mathematics approachable and easy. Want to pay off a mortgage sooner, become a master at casino games online, figure out how much that auto insurance policy really costs for the coverage it provides? Fun With Numbers shows readers how to do all of this and more. Readers will even have the opportunity to explore competitive math, a world that most people will never experience.

It isn’t just about recognizing math; it’s about knowing exactly how to use it, too. Fun With Numbers helps to turn math into a game, making it easier to grasp the concept of using numbers. It is possible to be entertained by math, and that’s just what this Grothendieck-centric blog explores. The famed mathematician has lived reclusively since 1991, but his ideas and his way with numbers is still the stuff of math legend. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers proves that they are.

Filed Under: Alexander Grothendieck, Mathematics Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Teaching Integers Using a Deck of Cards

March 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Integers are a rather difficult math concept that is usually introduced to students around the sixth grade. The whole concept of positive and negative numbers can be confusing a child that is just starting to develop their math skills. However, through the use of a fun math game like Integer Flash students are able to develop their math skills and use the new concept of integers.

Math games have long been used to inspire children to work on their math skills. The idea of playing games and using a difficult concept has allowed many students to pick up on math concepts that they might have otherwise had difficulties learning. Integer Flash is an example of this type of game.

If you are wondering how to play game Integer Flash here is an overview of how to play the game.

Step One. Start out with a deck of playing cards. You can assign numbers to the face cards such as 11, 12 and 13 should you wish. You will also explain that red cards are negative numbers while the black cards will be positive numbers. You will also decide on what math operating will be used for this round of the game. This can be addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Step Two. You will take two cards from the pile and place them face up on the table. The first card will be used as the first number in the math equation while the second is the second number.

Step Three. The players will be required to shout out the answer to the math equation. The one that gets it right gets to keep all the cards.

Step Four. At the end of the game request that all players count up their cards and the one with the most cards will win the game.

Filed Under: Mathematics, Numbers Tagged With: , ,

2 + 2 Equals Human Advancement

January 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Don’t knock the nerdy math teacher. Yes, many of us didn’t care for calculus in high school, and some of us aren’t good with numbers at all. But let’s face it — mathematics is one of the only truly universal languages out there. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing — they’re the basis for everything we do in life and how we operate. Even with words and writing, numbers exist!

Here’s the truth: if you have a love for mathematics and are generally good with numbers, you basically have a ton of options at your fingertips as far as online programs out there for education. Think of the possibilities: accounting, general mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, astronomy, and so many more. All of it revolves around numbers. The use of mathematics! Some of these majors lead to some of the most important jobs to date in the world.

Don’t worry; you don’t have to sit in a classroom and be bored by lectures about numbers. Because as said before, numerous online programs exist out there that allow you to do your coursework from the comfort of your own home. Deal with the numbers, do the work, get the grades, and you’re set. While you actually might not have the patience for numbers, if you’re good with them, utilize that! The best advancements in humanity revolve around numbers. So don’t be afraid of math. Thankfully, once you’re ready to go with the highest quality experience for some of the best jobs out there — astronomy and engineering — you’ll notice that all your past boring days of calculus learning and the fraction stuff will simply fade away into memory. The bottom line is your use of numbers will mesh into your basic process of working. It will become your mantra, your code of work ethic.

As said before, don’t knock the nerdy math teacher. Passing on math knowledge — nurturing a young math genius who will later do great things in life — is one of the most important jobs there is.

Filed Under: General, Mathematics, Numbers Tagged With: , , ,

Teaching Math to Young Children

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Group of children in a primary school in Paris

Image via Wikipedia

When you have children, you teach them things from the day they are born – whether you realize it or not. As babies and young children, you teach them how to communicate with you, first by crying or grunting, then by speaking. You teach them to feed themselves, to walk and more. But it isn’t until children are a bit older that people begin to consciously think about teaching them the kind of knowledge that they will use in school as they age. Things like their colors, how to spell their name, and yes, even math.

Even tiny babies have the ability to learn patterns – a basic math concept. When a child is 6 months old or so, he or she may learn repetition or pattern by stacking a few blocks, knocking them over, and stacking them up again. Babies who are a little older are ready to learn about space. You have surely seen children place a small toy repeatedly in and out of a box. That child is learning how elements in our space relate to one another. He or she is learning math.

As children become toddlers, they begin to derive more joy from having their parents and caregivers read to them. There are many simple books available that focus on specific numbers and on counting. This is wonderful way to not only bond with your child, but to introduce more age-appropriate math concepts.

At this age, another great activity to boost your child’s math skills is counting. Develop the habit of counting things with your child. When at the grocery store, count the items you place in your cart. When getting dressed, count the number of snaps or buttons on your child’s clothing. You can even try counting toys, steps, and more.

There is an endless number of ways you can teach your child basic math skills. Make it a habit, and watch your child’s knowledge blossom.

Filed Under: Education, Mathematics Tagged With: , , , ,

Yes, Math Really is Important

January 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Kids ask the question all the time: “Why is math important?” This usually comes up while they’re trying to work their way through their math homework. Surprisingly, parents often have a hard time answering this question. They shouldn’t. It only takes a moment to realize that math is all around you, and that you use it every day. And yes – you even use it for fun things.

Take grocery shopping, for example. If you clip coupons to save money (And who doesn’t need to save money?), when you take them to the store you need to compare the price of the item you have a coupon for to the price of similar items to see which is the better deal. That’s math.

Or, maybe grocery shopping doesn’t sound fun to you, but you like to shop for clothes. You can’t tell if that shirt you have your eye on is a good deal or not if you can’t do some quick math to calculate the sales price.

Driving also requires math skills. You need math to read and understand road signs and the speed you’re travelling, to figure out how long it will take you to drive from one place to another, and more. That’s math, too.

Even playing sports takes math skills. Sports are a competition, and the best players know not just the rules of the game, but how to strategize and apply math skills to figure out distances and more. Heck, even keeping score takes math skills. There goes that old myth about “dumb jocks.” Serious, successful players have a good grasp of basic math, physics and more.

So why is math important? The world is changing quickly, and math is a part of all of it. Our reliance on computers and smart phones is only the beginning of what will become a more technically advanced world – a world that doesn’t work without math.

Filed Under: Education, Mathematics Tagged With: , ,

Playing with numbers

December 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
A nonomino sudoku solution
Image via Wikipedia

The need of mathematics in today’s life is heightened with the availability of the virtual world of internet. The vast availability of internet has included all other regions under its spectrum. The virtual gaming world is now available online. The games such as Sudoku, poker, casino games such as roulette are based entirely on numbers. For playing these games one should be well versed in mathematics. These games require logical thinking on numbers. Research on the numbers helps in playing these games easily. The use of mathematics is not limited to this purpose. There is whole lot of need of basic mathematics in our life. To calculate the total amount of the products we buy, to calculate weight, height, in fact to count anything we have to be well versed in this subject. Maths skills are tested in such situations. If one fails to calculate correctly then one might end up making a disastrous mistake or an embarrassing situation.
Mathematical research is a wide spectrum in which one is suppose to undertake a vast research process. Grothendieck was a French mathematician who undertook such a research and invented various approaches towards this subject. His immense contribution in mathematics developed this subject to a great extent. Playing with numbers becomes easy when a person has correct approach towards maths. Research process helps in achieving this easily. Numbers have become an integral part of gaming. If you want to become a good player then make sure you are well versed in maths. One really stands out if they have confidence over this subject. Solving everyday things becomes so easy. With this one can play the virtual games of numbers and can be a winner there too. It’s an overall concept and a person knowledgeable in mathematics can surely be a winner and can have fun with numbers.

Filed Under: Alexander Grothendieck, Mathematics, Numbers Tagged With: , , ,
«Older Posts