Mathematics: Meaningful or Mechanical?

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around you. This comprehension of math extends to all subjects as math is a fundamental aspect of all subjects.

Mathematics is intrinsic to all subjects. While many may see the obvious use of math in subjects such as science and technology, the use of math is widespread and also covers the subjects of English, art, humanities, and more. Take for example, symmetry, defined as “The quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis” (Symmetry). Symmetry is found in both English and Math. In English it is found in the symmetrical structure of stanzas and verses. Its importance lies in how the poem is to sound and look. Many poets use a specific structure in poetry to enhance the effect of their poem. In the poem “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, a zig-zag pattern is used to structure the poem. When we look at symmetry in English we can see that it is not limited to just how the poem is meant to look. It is also meant to impact how the poem is spoken and read. The inner ear of the poet keeps a track on the quality and duration of a verse in his/her poem to ensure it will sound good and therefore, be beautiful. Symmetry in math is also used as a form of structure. Symmetry is seen easily in math through shapes such as an isosceles triangle. However, the true importance of symmetry in math lies in balancing equations. Both sides of an equation have to be the same (e.g 1 + 1 = 2 and 8 * 2 = 16). Therefore, if you are to do something to one side of the equation you must also do it to the other. This balancing of equations is a prime example of the importance of symmetry in math. The use of symmetry to create equilibrium in math and to structure and enhance poems proves that there is beauty in math and that some of the beauty in poems we read in English come from math (Laura) (Growney).

In conclusion, math is beautiful whether we will openly admit to it or not. It is found everywhere we go, in anything that we find some beauty, math is to be given credit. If you find beauty in the shape of a sculpture, you find beauty in an aspect of math. If you find beauty in the symmetrical structure of a poem, you find beauty in an aspect of math. Math is inescapable, it can be considered as the very fabric of life itself as it is found everywhere. Math is also a language that allows us to explain to ourselves and others, things that cannot easily be explained in any other language. E=mc 2 is a great example of that, it allows us to understand that energy and mass are the same better than if it were to be explained in a language such as English. Math is beautiful because of this understanding that it provides us, it gives us an aesthetic experience, a moment of insight.

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