The importance of teaching applicable mathematics

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2009-08

Authors

Gusmer, Bethany Anne

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Abstract

While exploring unfamiliar concepts and striving to grasp higher level mathematics, secondary and postsecondary mathematics students often ask, “When will we ever use this?” Although this question typically stems from students’ frustration, skepticism, and confusion, the question has great potential for teachable moments. Mathematics has countless applications in people’s daily lives, but the common person often fails to recognize this; those who realize the worldly importance of applicable mathematics often cannot provide specific examples nor understand the rigorous mathematics involved. It is important for mathematics teachers to have a conceptual understanding of the subject, and to be able to provide specific examples of applicable mathematics to students. Although the limit of applicable mathematics examples is infinite, a few cases are explored in this report.

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