What math can do for you – if you learn it


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  • “Mathematical thinking”describes how people think about quantities in daily life.  If you’ve ever thought about a way to measure, count and compute, then you were thinking mathematically.  Only recently has math become an area of academic study.
  • We all have done some computation and problem-solving in our lives and have had moments when we felt that life would be easier if math solutions came easier.  We may try to learn more concepts and methods but end up having math anxiety or reluctance toward math learning. Eventually, we may cease trying to count at all,  relying entirely on others’ number crunching expertise, or on technology to do that for us. Or we may make poor financial decisions based on faulty statistics or questionable math assumptions. Or we aren’t qualified for those jobs that require math.  Those scenarios are good reasons why increasing your math literacy level – also called numeracy – can be beneficial. 

Whatever the motivation for studying or reviewing math, there are ways to obtain a a higher level of math literacy.  One way is to change the way we think about the discipline.  Math literacy can be described simply as the “ability to use mathematics for everyday living, and for work, and for further study …” (Kaye Stacey, p.2). Calculations are everywhere – there’s really no need to fear numbers.  And it may not not be a good idea to brag about a lack of math literacy.  If you agree, this site may offer you resources that will inspire you toward increasing your numeracy level and discovering some of the really cool applications of numbers and mathematical concepts.