Math in careers

[Molten]

Sorry if this is out of place, but I just had to post it. This shows that math can be useful even to comedians I suppose.

If you don't get it, don't worry. Only real nerds do.

[Carlee10]

Could you explain this?? Please!

[steveg]

the integral of 1 / cabin with respect to cabin = ln(cabin) + c

log cabin + sea = houseboat

[Molten]

Originally Posted by steveg

the integral of 1 / cabin with respect to cabin = ln(cabin) + c

log cabin + sea = houseboat

I'm so glad somebody got it. My calc teacher showed us this in high school and the whole class got a good laugh at it. I imagine the reaction would have been different if it was presented in an english class or something.

[Dmentor]

Guess I'm the nerdy type...

Is that an all wood houseboat or virtual?

ln(cabin) = natural log cabin OR e-based log cabin

Anyways, loved the joke... Thanks!

[JaneYoung]

It would probably be wise for me not to post in this thread as I'm not very good with math/math concepts but, I have a couple of thoughts regarding it.

I googled 'math and art' and 'math and philosophy'. There are many links.
Math is everywhere and can be applied, used, studied - in many ways. It is likely limitless. I began losing my fear of math when I began quilting. Many of the quilt blocks are geometric by design and it is easy for me to work in color and fabric and apply the math skills needed in order to create a quilt. I've since discovered that there are geometry teachers who use quilts as one method of teaching geometry, helping students understand and apply those concepts.

In my adult years, I have learned to have tremendous respect for all the areas of math and how math affects our decisions, daily lives, careers/career choices and the ways in which it can and does impact the world and beyond. It's good to be respectful rather than fearful - then it becomes easier to grasp.

[Dmentor]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Math is everywhere and can be applied, used, studied - in many ways.

Great observation! Try googling fractals. I used to love playing with these when I was younger, so artistic and yet the same principles are the underpining of sea-shells, trees, mountains, etc. Also look at things like the golden ratio... Beauty is everywhere and mathematics is echo'ed in it.

EDIT: And yes I suppose I really should get back to intersecting conics (this afternoon's project) rather than reading CD!

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

... I began losing my fear of math when I began quilting. Many of the quilt blocks are geometric by design and it is easy for me to work in color and fabric and apply the math skills needed in order to create a quilt. I've since discovered that there are geometry teachers who use quilts as one method of teaching geometry, helping students understand and apply those concepts.

Check out the cool quilts at this site. Scroll to bottom for a nice shot of a quilt based on the Sierpinski Triangle.

[IKE]

In High school we were shown "Donald Duck in Math Magicland". the premise was that Donald thought math was dumb and useless and then was amazed at how math was applied.

Like anything else, math is a series of very important tools. These tools can be used to craft all sorts of powerful and lucrative things. While many jobs don't require Math, those that know how to apply the Math typically do the best and make the most money.

Take for instance stats. I personally find them very boring. Until I met a math prof that did some amazing things with them. He basically provd the merits of an age discrimination case using statistics. Also if you think stats are boring read "Freakenomics". Pretty crazy stuff and a great read overall.

I know I am a nerd, but I truly enjoyed a book all about the origins of PI.

While math is not essential it does lead to better living. Proof in point, many would say that reading is essential, but illiterate people find ways to manage. No one will argue though that learning to read makes life easier and more enjoyable.

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by Dmentor

If you love math then you would like my job. I work on SONAR systems for a living.

Vision without a task is only a dream. A task without a vision is but drudgery. But vision with a task is a dream fulfilled.

Dean Kamen quoting an ancient saying

Except for a gifted few, most people go through school/college grinding through courses because it is required. If you are lucky you will find a job that will challenge you to really go back and learn something well.

I'd like to flip Dmentor's statement and say you can really learn to love math by doing a job like his. The work can be so compelling it leaves you gasping for more math knowledge and skill.

I was never a great math student but when I started doing signal processing it was an eye opening experience, both in the applications and how you really learn math.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ManicMechanic

Math can also provide interesting insights in religious studies. For example, Genesis 5:25 (of the Bible) reports that Methuselah was 187 years old when he became the father Lamech, and Lamech was 182 when he became the father of Noah. The Flood came when Noah was 600 years old. If you add 187 + 182 + 600, you get 969, the age of Methuselah at his death. This means that Methuselah died in the year of the flood, and possibly died in the flood itself, implying that he may not have been a very righteous man.

Almost, but not quite. "Methuselah" means "dead sent" or "when he is dead, it shall be sent." Methuselah almost certainly died during the year of the flood, and probably beforehand due to his name.