Mathematics: a subject or a Way of thinking?
Author: Ritu
Raparia
Email-
devriturani1986@gmail.com
Puran Murti Global
School
“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of
logical ideas.”
—
Albert Einstein
Whenever we hear
the word “Mathematics,” the first thing that comes to our mind is solving
questions. We have created a perception that Mathematics means solving
difficult problems, finding their answers, and completing pages full of
calculations—often without knowing where those questions will actually be
useful in our lives.
But is
Mathematics really limited to solving questions and finding their answers?
I would say no.
Mathematics is not
just about solving questions; it teaches us how to solve problems.
As students, we often
see Mathematics as just another school subject—a subject in which we learn
formulas, solve problems, and find the correct answers. But Mathematics is much
more than a subject. It is a way of thinking and an important part of our
everyday lives.
So, why do
many students find Mathematics difficult?
Perhaps one reason
is that we look at Mathematics only as a subject in which we have to solve
problems and find answers. As long as we continue to see Mathematics this way,
we may continue to struggle with it.
Think about a
doctor. Before treating a patient, a doctor first tries to understand the
illness: What is the problem? Why did it happen? What are the possible ways to
treat it? Only after understanding the problem can the doctor decide on the
right treatment.
Mathematics works
similarly. Before solving a mathematical problem, we should first
understand it. We need to think about what is being asked, what information is
given, which methods can be used, and why a particular method might work. The
real value of Mathematics lies not only in reaching the final answer but also
in developing the ability to think logically and find solutions.
Did humans invent Mathematics?
If you ask me, I
would say no.
Mathematics was not
simply created by humans; mathematical patterns and relationships have existed
in nature and in the world around us long before we described them. Humans gave
these patterns a systematic language through numbers, symbols, formulas, and
written rules so that we could understand, study, and communicate them.
The Italian astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei
rightly said,
“The book of nature is written in
the language of mathematics.”
Look at nature. The
Sun follows a regular cycle of rising and setting. Day and night follow
repeating patterns. The Moon goes through predictable phases. Sunflowers show
fascinating patterns in the arrangement of their seeds, while shells and
snowflakes display beautiful mathematical shapes and symmetry.
If
Mathematics is present in nature and in the world around us, how can we say
that it is merely a school subject?
Mathematics is not
just a subject we study; it is a tool we use to understand life.
We use Mathematics
in countless everyday activities. Even going to a shop involves mathematical
thinking. We consider the price of an item, how much money we have, how much we
need to pay, and how much money will remain afterwards. If we pay more than the
price, we calculate how much change we should receive.
These may seem like
simple actions, but they involve Mathematics.
So, when a student
asks, “Where will I ever use this Mathematics question in real life?”, perhaps
the answer is not always in the question itself. The real purpose lies in the
thinking process behind solving it.
Every mathematical
problem allows us to practise thinking, analysing, reasoning,
decision-making, and problem-solving.
That is why I believe Mathematics is not
merely a subject made up of questions and answers. It is a way of thinking that
helps us understand patterns, solve problems, and make sense of the world
around us.
“The essence of mathematics lies in its freedom.” — Georg
Cantor
