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Browse High School About Math
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Selected answers to common questions:
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    Music and mathematics.
    Poetry and mathematics.
    What is mathematics?
    Was math invented or discovered?

The Second Millennium [11/29/1999]

Slide Rules [03/13/1999]
Can you help me learn how to use a slide rule?

Solvable and Unsolvable Equations [01/18/2004]
A discussion of how mathematicians look at an equation and decide if it appears to be solvable or not, including defining what is meant by 'solvable'.

Spherical vs. Plane Geometry [05/30/1997]
How is spherical geometry different from plane geometry?

Submitting a Mathematical Theorem for Publishing [11/30/2004]
Where and how can I submit a mathematical theorem or idea so that I can get credit for it?

Sugar Cubes and Coffee Cups [09/26/2002]




Trig Function Domains [08/23/1999]

Trigonometry and Music [12/21/1998]
How is trigonometry used in music?

Trigonometry and Space Exploration [05/29/2002]
How does Trigonometry relate to space exploration?

Types of Numbers [10/30/1998]

Types of Variables [01/14/1999]
Can you explain the different types of variables, such as free variables and bound variables?

Undefined Geometry Terms [09/16/2001]


Uses of Logarithms [07/20/2002]
Who uses logarithms, and for what?

The Value of Two-Column Proofs [12/19/2000]
What is the point of learning two-column proofs?

What Can Math Do for Me? [11/24/2005]
I understand the math I'm doing in grade 11, but I can't imagine how I'm ever going to use it in real life. What's the point of taking math?


What is an Algorithm? [10/21/2001]
Please define and explain algorithm, and include an example.

What is Math? [10/04/1997]

What is Math? [09/14/2001]
Mathematics as the study of abstractions.

What is Mathematical Modeling? [11/08/2002]

What Is Mathematical Thinking? [03/08/2005]
A lengthy but interesting discussion on what constitutes 'mathematical thinking' as defined by NCTM Standards and in general.

What is Mathematics? [09/22/2000]
Please tell me the definition of maths.

What is Trigonometry? [8/20/1996]
What is trigonometry, and what is it used for?

What Motivates New Definitions? [02/06/2000]
Why do so many mathematical objects -- groups, fields, rings, vector spaces -- have nearly identical definitions and properties? Does every new object have to undergo some rigorous proof of its existence?


More on Q.E.D.

Who Invented Binary? [05/07/2000]


Why Do I Need to Study Math? [04/05/2007]
I am a high school student who is college bound, but I am not going into a major involving math, so why should I have to learn math in high school? Why do I need to know it?



Why is Math Interesting? [01/16/2001]
Why does math have to be so boring and hard?

Why Is Mental Math Important? [03/25/2004]
How can I convince a 14 year old girl who is in 8th grade the importance of mental math? I think that skills like mentally adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers and being able to estimate multiplying 2 digit large numbers are critical. My daughter's teacher says that such skills aren't needed because of calculators and computers.

Why is Pi Everywhere? [2/9/1996]
Why does pi show up in things that don't seem to be related to circles?

Why Learn Geometric Proofs? [02/27/2002]
Why are we taught geometric proofs if the vast majority of us will never use them?

Why Learn to Factor? [07/08/2002]
Why do I need to learn to factor expressions if I'm going to be a fashion designer?


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