Most parents consider math a necessary but often unpleasant subject for their children to learn in school. However, mathematics has many applications outside the classroom and is used in everyday life all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore how math can be applied to real-world scenarios, helping you show your kids just how applicable (and enjoyable!) learning math can be when it translates into something they care about.
Whether they’re interested in engineering or fashion design, understanding basic mathematical principles will help them find success both now and in the future! Read on to learn more about why giving your child a broader understanding of mathematics is so important.
Math Can Be Challenging
Mathematics is a subject that many students find challenging and intimidating. Often viewed as an abstract concept that exists only within the confines of a textbook or classroom, math is actually an essential tool used in countless real-world applications.
As parents, many of us remember how hard it was to imagine that we would ever need the algebra equations and geometry formulas drilled into our brains during our school years. We were probably asking ourselves, “when in the world am I ever going to use this?” Little did we know, math permeates our lives, even today! From balancing a budget to ensuring your children get the right amount of candy when they go trick-or-treating with their friends – parents rely on everyday math more often than they realize.
Now that we know how helpful mathematics is in the real world, it is time to teach our children. Knowing the applications of math in the real world can help children understand how crucial it is to learning and to everyday life. Instead of stressing children out over addition and subtraction, explain how many professions use mathematics – engineering, astrophysics, computer science, physics, fashion design, hair stylist, carpenters and even chefs! – in their operations. Then watch the children embrace math!
When children know that the equations of a triangle can be used to build bridges or the movement of planets can be predicted through calculations, they’ll look upon math with new appreciation. This is especially important for older children when deciding what career path to take.
Examples Of Math Used In The Real World
We understand it can be challenging to come up with examples of math in the real world when put on the spot by your child, so let’s take a look at some common examples:
Finance
Math has significant applications in finance. Household finances are a great example to show your child. Without proper math education, balancing accounts, estimating expenses, and calculating savings can be difficult.
Outside of the home, analysts use statistics and probability theory to analyze market trends, evaluate risk, and make investment decisions in the financial world. Actuaries use mathematical models to calculate insurance premiums based on factors such as age, health status, and driving history.
Mathematical tools like calculus are also used in financial modelling to predict future asset values such as stocks or bonds.
Engineering and Technology
Math is also integral to the field of engineering and technology. Engineers use mathematical concepts to design structures, machines, and systems. For example, civil engineers use calculus to design bridges and skyscrapers that can withstand weight and pressure. Electrical engineers use complex numbers to describe electrical circuits and signals. Computer programmers rely on algorithms and logic to create software programs.
Math is also crucial in technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These fields involve complex mathematical models that enable computers to learn from data sets and make predictions.
Medicine
Math plays an essential role in medicine, helping medical professionals and researchers take on many of their most complex tasks. In medical school, math is taught as part of the curriculum so students can understand basic concepts like frequency and probability while learning more specialized medical knowledge topics.
For example, math can be used to understand disease progression better, help diagnose illnesses, and optimize treatment protocols. Additionally, math allows researchers to understand how different drugs interact with the body and develop equations to create lifesaving medications. With the application of math increasing across all aspects of the healthcare industry, it’s clear that math is an indispensable part of modern medicine.
Architecture
Architects use geometry extensively when designing buildings. Math helps architects determine construction project angles, lengths, and proportions. They also utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software which requires knowledge of algebraic concepts like matrices.
Sports Analytics
Sports teams have started using analytics more widely over recent years, with mathematicians playing a key role behind the scenes. By analyzing large datasets containing information about players’ performances, teams can identify strategies needed for success. This way, they can optimize player performance by identifying key metrics that lead to wins.
Significant Applications
In conclusion, mathematics has significant applications beyond textbooks or classrooms. From engineering, finance, medicine, and analytics, it plays an integral part in real-world scenarios enabling us to solve complex problems we face every day.
It’s critical we teach our children to understand its importance beyond academic settings so they can appreciate how mathematics shapes their daily lives. It may also drive them to succeed at math class, knowing they will need it for a future career. So next time your child is faced with a challenging math problem, remind them that it could be their gateway towards understanding something new about an exhilarating career in their future!
Our Programs
At Dropkick Math Academy, we know the importance of teaching children about math in everyday life and in the workplace. Our programs focus on the four pillars of math (number sense, operational sense, proportional reasoning, and algebraic reasoning), which ensure that all students understand the fundamentals of mathematics. Our programs also offer a view of how math is used in the real world.
So, if your child comes to you asking, “how do we use math outside of school?” you are now equipped with some solid answers. Nothing is worse than a student deciding on their educational path after high school only to learn that they need extra math credit to begin their journey. By understanding how math is used in the real world, they will be better equipped to make decisions when continuing their math education.
Learn more about our programs today, and start your child on their path to success!
