Every type of maths is encountered in the real world and that makes it all meaningful.
The earth is a huge sphere (not a perfect sphere, but quite spherical, though the poles are slightly flatter). It is divided using lines of latitude and longitude and the equator divides it into Northern and Southern hemispheres. We use this to locate places and to navigate planes and boats.
When we go shopping, there are prices, weights, open times, finding the best price by paying attention to the price per kg or 100g etc, litres, 2 for one, fractions like half a kilo and % off, 3D shapes in packaging/containers (cylinders and cuboids mainly, but Toblerone is triangular prism).
Time helps us manage our lives. We use timetables for buses, trains etc, appointments and our wake up alarms, daylight saving etc. We use dates for our birthdays and anniversaries, Christmas and Easter, school and annual holidays. Number is used when we count things, spend or bank money, pay percentage interest etc. There are limits to the number of people that fit on a bus, in a lift, you invite to a celebration.
We use shapes, angles and measurement in architecture, building and in art. There are shapes that we tesselate in tiling and when we sew a quilt for example.
Data and graphs are used in healthcare, business and decision making of all kinds. We collect data to find out what people need, want and are doing. Governments collect data in many ways, including the Census and use it among other things to make decisions about where facilities, services and networks are needed and where resources should be allocated.
Algebra is used in various aspects of everyday life. For example, we use it when we calculate taxes, work out interest, make exchange rates conversions, and purchase items with costs per metre or per kilogram etc. It is used in accounting to calculate profit, loss and depreciation. We even use it to adjust our recipes for the desired number of servings.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.