Mathematics Definition and 995 Threads

Mathematics (from Greek: μάθημα, máthēma, 'knowledge, study, learning') includes the study of such topics as quantity (number theory), structure (algebra), space (geometry), and change (analysis). It has no generally accepted definition.Mathematicians seek and use patterns to formulate new conjectures; they resolve the truth or falsity of such by mathematical proof. When mathematical structures are good models of real phenomena, mathematical reasoning can be used to provide insight or predictions about nature. Through the use of abstraction and logic, mathematics developed from counting, calculation, measurement, and the systematic study of the shapes and motions of physical objects. Practical mathematics has been a human activity from as far back as written records exist. The research required to solve mathematical problems can take years or even centuries of sustained inquiry.
Rigorous arguments first appeared in Greek mathematics, most notably in Euclid's Elements. Since the pioneering work of Giuseppe Peano (1858–1932), David Hilbert (1862–1943), and others on axiomatic systems in the late 19th century, it has become customary to view mathematical research as establishing truth by rigorous deduction from appropriately chosen axioms and definitions. Mathematics developed at a relatively slow pace until the Renaissance, when mathematical innovations interacting with new scientific discoveries led to a rapid increase in the rate of mathematical discovery that has continued to the present day.Mathematics is essential in many fields, including natural science, engineering, medicine, finance, and the social sciences. Applied mathematics has led to entirely new mathematical disciplines, such as statistics and game theory. Mathematicians engage in pure mathematics (mathematics for its own sake) without having any application in mind, but practical applications for what began as pure mathematics are often discovered later.

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  1. P

    Can m(m+1) Equal kn for Natural Numbers m, k, and n?

    Question is : If m,k,n are natural numbers and n>1, prove that we cannot have m(m+1)=kn. My attempt : Using induction: If m follows this rule... m+1 must follow it .. so (m+1)(m+2) = kn Since every natural number can be expressed as the product of primes, it follows that (m+1) and (m+2) are...
  2. M

    Mathematics education in schools

    I thought I'd make a topic about this here and see what everybody else thinks about it. Just so you know before reading the entire post, I am fourteen years old and I know math topics up to and including complex analysis. I wrote some of what I have been going through as well, so I thought I...
  3. M

    Math How to apply for a job in Industry with a degree in Applied mathematics?

    For Academia jobs, I used www.mathjobs.org, and it's quite good. I will have a degree in Applied-Mathematics (Numerical Optimization and Operation research). I am trying to apply for Industry jobs. However I am not sure how or where to apply. I heard the application process can be quite...
  4. C

    Lang's Basic Mathematics for General GRE Prep

    Lang's "Basic Mathematics" for General GRE Prep From what I've gathered, the math on the General GRE is made up of material primarily covered in high school mathematics. With that said, would working through Serge Lang's "Basic Mathematics" text be beneficial to prepping for the math portion...
  5. P

    What is the correct reading order for these topics in mathematics?

    Alright. So, internet gives me the idea that any serious research in Theoretical Physics will require me to have atleast some knowledge of the following topics in math: Topology Groups (Group Theory) Differential Geometry Calculus of Variations Linear Algebra Abstract Algebra I was...
  6. B

    What resources can help me prepare for my high school mathematics end exam?

    Hello. Quick introduction, I'm 12th grade and in my country we have this end exam in mathematics which I have to pass with +85% so I can fulfill my passion(Computer Science and Engineering). I'm studying hardcore these two years but I missed out a lot from 7th to 10th grade cause I didn't have...
  7. T

    Exploring a Computational Mathematics Graduate Program

    I am going to graduate school for math and i think i am interested in computational mathematics (I say think because i don't fully know what computational math is). I have taken a numerical analysis class in my undergraduate program and i can program in a few different languages. I'm just...
  8. E

    Programs Which Mathematics Major Should I Choose for Applied Physics?

    Well, I'll be going to college soon and I'm currently choosing my major. I know I would like a degree in Mathematics because I've always liked figuring out problems or making things simpler. I do need some help though. My college offers two Mathematics majors. I think I'll probably go to Grad...
  9. U

    How to apply mathematics to real world problems?

    Let's say I see a parked car, the tire of the car is resting against the curb. Would you actually have to go with a tape measure and measure the curb, measure the wheel and then you'd be able to find the area underneath the curb and the tire? It's just confusing. Soooo many math equations...
  10. K

    Clear mathematics books from A to Z ?

    Hi ! I've been reading on here for a long time through google and decided to join ! I started learning physics material mostly through general layman books from Hawking,Greene,Asimov etc and while I do not aim to become a physicist in occupation (luckily for physics), I do want to progress to...
  11. bistan

    Solutions Manual for Basic Mathematics by Serge Lang?

    I've been googling all over for a solutions manual to the book Basic Mathematics by Serge Lang, but I've only been able to find one for his book on geometry. It's not a terrible problem, but I'm using the book for self-study. At first it seemed that any exercise with multiple parts had at least...
  12. shezi1995

    Schools Advice for a high schooler in mathematics

    I am doing A levels and in my first year (equivalent to a junior in american system). I am very passionate about mathematics and physics but I get bored in my a level studies especially maths though I am a topper of my class. I therefore watch online university lectures like those of mit and...
  13. S

    What are some good online Bachelor programs for Mathematics?

    Hi All, After floating around here for a few hours reading some extremely good content, it seems this is a great place to ask my question :) I'm currently a Project Manager and have had great success in the past six years, mostly due to my love of logic; however, I absolutely hate what I do...
  14. M

    What is the recommended order for self-teaching advanced mathematics?

    Hey there , I am a 14 year old teaching myself mathematics and I was wondering what comes next.. I have completed everything uptil Precalculus(That includes Algebra 1,2 Geometry and Triginometry) .. Id appreciate it if one you could list the order of learning mathematics , I know that math is...
  15. T

    Embarking on Mathematics Self-Study

    I will be attempting to self-study mathematics and I need some advice. I made a D in Calculus II this past semester. I will be retaking it along with Diff Equations and Mathematical statistics. I will also be sitting in Calculus I class with an instructor, although I don't need to take it since...
  16. M

    Mathematics for the Nonmathematician

    Does anyone have an opinion of this book? Have you studied from it? Does it cover anything even fairly in depth or is it's purpose mainly for a general overview of concepts?
  17. S

    What is THE HARDEST topic in mathematics

    In your opinion, what is the hardest topic in math? I don't really know many high high levels of math, maybe differential topology, or K theory, idk, what is it in your opinion? Oh, and don't say "some people think Calculus is hard" or other stuff like that, think of a high level math topic.
  18. G

    Music Music & Math: Lectures & Textbooks

    I have heard that music is very mathematical and was wondering if there is a place I could watch lectures on a topic like this? Or maybe a textbook I could read through? Thanks for any help!
  19. C

    Feynman Lectures - Anything similar for Mathematics?

    Last year I got volume 1-3 of the Feynman lectures but as a soon mathematics major I think it'd be appropriate to read more mathematics lectures (and more enjoyable). Is there anything similar I could ask for for my upcoming birthday? Thanks,
  20. B

    When did you first encounter proof based mathematics?

    When did you first encounter "proof based" mathematics? I've been reading a few forums and have seen many posters say "methods based" mathematics like calculus is easy. The posters would then state that "proof based" mathematics is so hard and calculus isn't high level. So when did you...
  21. R

    Having a big trouble with Mathematics, but I like it and I need it. Suggestions?

    Hello, I am currently a Chemistry major, and I am really good with sciences. My problem is with math ( Calculus), in fact I always had trouble with mathematics. The problem with my situation, is that I am really interested in Math Application, in addition I really need it for my major. So I...
  22. C

    How to Prove the Validity of a Discrete Mathematics Argument?

    Hi! I have an argument and I have to prove the validity of all possible ways. I have proved by logical implication, tautology, contradiction and contrapositive, but the problem is reduced to prove the hypothesis by logical equivalences and implications. The reasoning is as follows...
  23. A

    An embarrassing problem with elementary mathematics (local time computation)

    Hello! I am living in Germany. Let's say that I want to know the local time in New York, and let's arrange that the local time in Germany is 11:00 o'clock (24-hour clock). Germany's time is shifted 1 hour ahead (UTC +1), and New York's time is shifted 5 hours behind (UTC -5). So the...
  24. shounakbhatta

    Math for GR: Branches & Building Blocks

    Hello, Can somebody tell me what are the different branches of mathematics required as building block of GR?
  25. N

    What is the equity of a house after 12 years with a 30-year loan at 4.82%?

    Homework Statement James bought a house worth $308,000.00 and financed 85% of that amount. He has a 30-year loan at 4.82%. How much will he owe on the house after 12 years? Then find the equity that James has from Item #4 above. His equity is the difference between the new value of the...
  26. N

    Why Does Mathematics Favor Perfect Shapes to Model Imperfect Nature?

    Why does mathematics deal with the world of perfect spheres, triangles and squares. I understand how this can be applied to architecture and engineering. But this seems counter-intuitive to 'nature' that surrounds us which is objects that are not perfect in shape. The Earth for instance isn't a...
  27. C

    Displaying Mathematics in Google Drive?

    Displaying Mathematics in Google Drive?? Hey, How can I display math written in word with google drives (cloud storge)? I'm trying to create a google drive for my class at university, but we can't view mathematical equations written in word documents with google drive. Would appreciate some...
  28. S

    Pascals triangle problem(discrete mathematics)

    Homework Statement Determine which row of pascals triangle contains 3 consecutive entries that are in the ratio 1:2:3. Homework Equations (n, k ) = n!/k!(n-k)! The Attempt at a Solution (n,k):(n,k+1):(n,k+2) 1 : 2: : 3 What I did was cross multiply. 2 times (n,k) =...
  29. A

    History History of Mathematics: A Review of Steven Krantz's Book

    Hey I am looking for a book talking about history of mathematics Steven Krantz has one here Amazon Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: An Episodic History of Mathematics: Mathematical Culture through Problem Solving (Maa Textbook) (Mathematical Association of America Textbooks) who know this book...
  30. Z

    Schools Mathematics undergrad university choices help

    I've applied to five different universities (UK) and have started to receive offers. I'm having a hard time to decide which of the university to choose, as before applying I always had the idea in my head that your mathematics education doesn't really matter, and if you're good at maths then you...
  31. M

    Undergraduate mathematics for an engineer

    I am an electrical engineer who is fascinated by mathematics. As you might expect, electrical engineering uses a lot of advanced concepts in mathematics from differential equations, linear algebra, calculus, complex analysis etc. However I would like to continue reading maths on my own. I would...
  32. I

    Discrete mathematics, bijections between disjoint unions

    Hi, So I am trying to show the following: ##(A \cup B)\sqcup(A \cap B) \leftrightarrow A \sqcup B## The proof that I am trying to understand starts with: ##A \leftrightarrow (A \backslash B) \sqcup (A\cup B) \qquad (1)##, and ##A \cup B \leftrightarrow (A\backslash B)\sqcup B \qquad...
  33. S

    Math in Moscow or Budapest Semesters in Mathematics?

    Hello all, I'm a physics and math undergrad and I'm having a very difficult time deciding between these two programs. Fortunately I was accepted into both, so it's a good problem, but having to decide between the two is starting to wear on me; I really love both programs. I've gotten great...
  34. C

    The fields of applied mathematics

    What kind of mathematical disciplines/fields take part in what's called "applied mathematics"? As far as I know, it's Differential Equations, Calculus, Statistics and Linear Algebra. What other fields are there? I'm sure there are some others.
  35. L

    Mathematics used in optics and intro to modern physics

    Hello. I am taking intro to modern physics and optics next semester, the intro to modern physics is a 300 level class and the optics course is a 500 level class, at Wayne State University. I want to come into next semester very well practiced in the math needed for those classes. Could...
  36. Z

    Have you heard of the Budapest Mathematics Semester?

    Hi all, I came across the Budapest Math Semester and was wondering what people think of it? One of my profs has heard good things from faculty, but neither of us have been able to locate a student from our university to talk to. The idea of doing a summer session sounds awesome as well. I...
  37. N

    Can you explain where the mathematics are in music?

    I am a musician, I've been playing guitar form 8 years now. And piano and drums as well for under 3. People tell me music is mathematical same with artwork, something i am also very proficient at. Is it purely from the patterns of the notes and timing of the pitches that make it mathematical? Or...
  38. T

    Programs Research topics appropriate for a beginning mathematics major?

    Okay, so, I'm about 2 semesters from completing my AA degree and I decided a couple semesters ago that I really want to be a math major. I am not a traditional student exactly - I was homeschooled and my math education was not strong, so I ended up placing into Intermediate Algebra in my first...
  39. T

    Schools At what level should a high school graduate be at in terms of mathematics?

    I graduated from high school this year and took the three main sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) as well as math up to Calculus. I've decided to take a year away from school for a couple reasons. But that doesn't mean that I must stop learning. Recently I bought a book which gives...
  40. A

    Programs BS Mathematics to Phd Quantum Mechanics?

    Dear friends, I'm presently a junior math undergraduate, and my ultimate goal is to do my master's/PhD work in quantum mechanics, specifically exploring possibilities of temporal superposition for advanced quantum computing. The question is if it is doable to go from a bachelors in...
  41. L

    Should it matter to me that my local CC doesn't offer an AS in Mathematics?

    I tried doing a google search on this and couldn't find the information I was looking for. My first undergrad was in Intelligence Analysis (I was MI in the Army) and now in my 4th year as a Business Student and I've gotten the math bug. I'd like to avoid high costs of school (my current...
  42. F

    Mathematics required for a physicist

    Hi all. I am a first year freshman in B.Sc Physics and i am wandering that what fields in mathematics that is required for us to become a theoretical physicist? As i know calculus is the fundamentals of physics,right? O.o Correct me if i am wrong. Thank you :smile:
  43. C

    Which branch of statistics and mathematics deals with extrapolations?

    Which branch of statistics and mathematics deals with extrapolations and trend analysis? That is, where one can estimate various trends (be they exponential, linear, etc.) that apply to our data and draw a trend which could extrapolate the future variation. Am I referring to the time series...
  44. 5

    Most used mathematics for engineers?

    I'm thinking of applying for a degree in engineering at university next year and was wondering, what is the most commonly used mathematics that you engineers everyday in your jobs?
  45. T

    Do you need calculus to learn pure mathematics?

    I have only taken mathematics up to trig and I was curious if I would be able to start reading books on more advanced topics like Abstract Alegebra and topology??
  46. B

    Theorem in applied mathematics that relies on the axiom of choice

    Hi there, Im looking for a theorem that relies on the axiom of choice, but is used in applied mathematics (economics, physics, biology, whatever). In other words a mathematical theory we use to say something about the real world. This is because I'm wondering if discarding the axiom of...
  47. C

    Engineering Usefulness of a Bach. of Mathematics in engineering

    I'm studying engineering at the moment and within the degree there is only 3 compulsory courses of maths. I love maths and would like to get a bachelor of mathematics but I was wondering how useful it would be to a job in engineering. Thanks in advance for the advice.
  48. P

    Programs Masters before Phd in Mathematics -bad idea?

    Masters before Phd in Mathematics --bad idea? Hi all, I am a senior at a regional campus of a large state university in the US. I have always thought that since I love math (and I do really love learning and doing math), that love of the subject would be enough to propel me through a PhD...
  49. M

    Why is intuition important in mathematics?

    A funny thing happened to me recently... I solved a complicated math problem (for me anyway), and it was almost as if I had no idea of what I was doing. I just started writing... and it kind of came out, unconsciously... I think I know why Poincare said that intuition creates while logic...
  50. Krunchyman

    Universality of Mathematics among Sentient Races

    "Mathematics is the gate and key to the sciences", Robert Bacon said. That statement is as relevant today as it was 800 years ago. Human culture changes but mathematics is forever. Mathematical beauty will be as relevant to mathematicians and poets today as it was thousands of years ago. Surely...
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