math•e•mat•ics (mathe·mat´iks) —
the systematic study of forms, figures, and quantities; the properties,
measurement, and the relationships between them, expressed in both
numbers and symbols. A collective word for all the procedures
and operations of related "branches" which have historically arisen from mathematics;
such as, Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus (Differential
and Integral), Set Theory, Boolean Logic, Statistics, and Topology. Often
used to describe or speak of the mathematical aspects of various sciences,
such as "the mathematics of physics."
[1350-1400; MiddleEnglish mathematic from the Latin mathematica
from the Greek mathematikè (téchne)
scientific (craft), equivalent to mathemat- (the singular
of máthema) science or knowledge + -ike,
fem. of -ikos -ic ].
[Composite definition by The Starman; based on many different sources.]
—— Our paraphrase of Galileo Galilei in Il Saggiatore (1623)
"Recreational Math?"
|
“Anyone
who regards games simply as games and takes work too seriously has grasped
little of either.”
So wrote
the German poet Heinrich Heine over a century ago. In
today's world the division of work and play persists. Old prejudice still
holds that the playing of games is an activity for children, not useless
perhaps, but certainly not the responsible and serious work of adults.
Heine intuitively foresaw what [psychologists today have] since asserted.
Games are not only necessary for the development of a child's self-awareness;
they are also needed by adults, especially when their work is repetitive
and uncreative. [ I've lost the reference
for who said this! Any ideas? ] |
You Have All the
Money You'll Ever Need!
Learn about an important Mathematical Rule.
Repeating Decimal Fractions Includes Chart of All Fractions From 1/2 through 1/66.
Truthteller, Liar and Randomizer This problem actually has more to do with Logic than Math, but Mathematics does require you to think logically, so... have a try at this.
Four 4s These problems actually use Logic more than Math, but Mathematics is required to both arrive at and verify the answers.
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©2000,2001,2003,2005,2007 by Daniel B. Sedory.