I am certainly not the epitome of a human calculator. I tend to mess up on the easiest addition problems that contribute to a test question, simply because I don't think about them for long enough. Without a calculator, I would be failing not only math class, but chemistry as well. The extent of my human calculator skills occurs in multiplication and division problems, in which instead of punching in the numbers of the calculator, I visualize in my head what I'd be writing down if I was doing the problem with pen and paper.
On the opposite side of the spectrum of me, Julia Baca, there is an incredible mathematician by the name of Scott Flansburg. Flansburg today is considered the "Greatest Human Calculator" by the Guinness Book of World Records. He grabbed this title for being able to mentally calculate the same number in his head nearly 40 times in fifteen seconds. Based upon his video interviews with several worldwide talk-show hosts, Flansburg certainly isn't the most modest character, but he is so great with numbers, that's okay. When Scott Flansburg tries to verbally state what's going on in his head as he calculates numbers, his mouth can't even keep up with his train of thought. Flansburg is a strong believer that a digital calculator holds back those who are trying to learn math, because it leaves them no room for thought. With calculators, all we need to do is press buttons, but if we had to learn how to do somewhat complex calculations in our heads, we would be better at math all around, and understand the process of the calculations that occur before reaching your final answer.
For many years, Flansburg has been traveling around the globe to spread his knowledge and techniques for this laudable skill. Currently, Scott Flansburg lives in Scottsdale, AZ, and is still sharing his methods of math and his theories over how mental math in simple areas such as multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division, provides a wonderful foundation for the rest of one's math career, and ultimately, it will make you a better student.
The best part about being able to do calculations in your head, is being perceived as intelligent to your contemporaries.
Sources: Scott Flansburg, The Human Calculator.
scottflansburg.com
Coast to Coast A.M.
http://www.coasttocoastam.com/guest/flansburg-scott/5903
Scholastic
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/scott-flansburg
Friday, November 8, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Beauty in Math
When doing a math problem for homework, you may think to yourself: "When will i ever need to know this in real life?" The answer is: You probably won't. Most jobs don't require the knowledge of how to find the minor arc of a circle or the height of a triangle , but the more facts filled in your brain will make others perceive you as smarter in general. Everything we learn in math may not seem substantial, but when put together, you will in fact use it when your older. Whether your an architect, or a surgeon, or even a cashier, math will come in handy one way or another.
Beautiful may not be the adjective to come to mind when describing math, for it can be strenuous and very time consuming, but when you get the correct answer to a difficult problem, it is one of the best feelings. All the effort that goes into a problem is beautiful, for it takes organization, skill, and hard work, and dedication itself is beauty.
Applying math to realistic situations, and trying to figure out a problem that could actually occur, can actually be quite entertaining. Not only is it not just a bunch of random numbers, but you're actually trying to figure out what would happen in real life under these circumstances.
Sure, math can be tricky, and it certainly isn't for anyone, but it sure is interesting how there is always a solution to a problem. Out of all things having to do with math, I find it compelling how people have spent their lives dedicated to math applications, theorems, proofs, and they work so hard in order to get published in a Math magazine, newspaper, textbook, etc.
Math may cause tears and headaches, but in the long run, as humans, we wouldn't be anywhere without it, and it's really the one subject imperative for us to be familiar about- and that is simply just cool.
Beautiful may not be the adjective to come to mind when describing math, for it can be strenuous and very time consuming, but when you get the correct answer to a difficult problem, it is one of the best feelings. All the effort that goes into a problem is beautiful, for it takes organization, skill, and hard work, and dedication itself is beauty.
Applying math to realistic situations, and trying to figure out a problem that could actually occur, can actually be quite entertaining. Not only is it not just a bunch of random numbers, but you're actually trying to figure out what would happen in real life under these circumstances.
Sure, math can be tricky, and it certainly isn't for anyone, but it sure is interesting how there is always a solution to a problem. Out of all things having to do with math, I find it compelling how people have spent their lives dedicated to math applications, theorems, proofs, and they work so hard in order to get published in a Math magazine, newspaper, textbook, etc.
Math may cause tears and headaches, but in the long run, as humans, we wouldn't be anywhere without it, and it's really the one subject imperative for us to be familiar about- and that is simply just cool.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Response to Fractions in the Fast Lane
Math is always a hidden aspect of my day. Mostly, when I use math mixed in with daily life, it is in a very simple way such as time or money.
While getting ready in the morning, I must always leave a certain amount of time in order to eat my breakfast, or else I will have even less time before I leave for school. If I spend too long eating, then I will calculate the time in my head allotted for me to finish getting ready.
Without keeping track of time, much of what I microwave would not satisfy my taste buds. For instance, if I put a tortilla in the microwave for 20 seconds it will be warm but not warm enough, but if I put in in for 25 seconds it will be too hard. I have found that 23 seconds is the perfect amount of time, but I would never know this without counting, and testing out several different amounts of time. I may not think that I am using math, but without it I would have a cold tortilla! Counting may be what we all learned in Pre-school, but we learned in then for a reason- we will always use it! When i danced dozens of hours a week, my counting was at it's prime time. When I tap dance today, sometimes it is necessary for me to accentuate every second count and every fifth count per every eight count. In order to keep up with my choreography I have to be right on top of my game, because if i miscount, I willaccentuate my movement at the wrong time resulting in my tap sounds to deviate from the other students in my class. Even though it may seem like I'm just tapping my feet, I'm actually thinking very hard.
When purchasing an item that's let's say $27.25, its logical to give the cashier $30.25 (if you're paying cash), so you don't have to struggle with the change. Throughout life it is imperative to know the difference between nickels, dimes, and quarters, and even though that may seem simple, it could meant the difference of losing money or gaining profit, even if it is little. I would like to use math more often in order to calculate the amount of money I spend vs. save, because financial management is a great skill to have throughout life. Without knowing your income in comparison to your expenses, you could end up in some serious debt, so I would like to be more savvy in terms of money and financial plans for the future.
Even in the most organic, simple ways, math is always present, and if it isn't, then something isn't quite right.
While getting ready in the morning, I must always leave a certain amount of time in order to eat my breakfast, or else I will have even less time before I leave for school. If I spend too long eating, then I will calculate the time in my head allotted for me to finish getting ready.
Without keeping track of time, much of what I microwave would not satisfy my taste buds. For instance, if I put a tortilla in the microwave for 20 seconds it will be warm but not warm enough, but if I put in in for 25 seconds it will be too hard. I have found that 23 seconds is the perfect amount of time, but I would never know this without counting, and testing out several different amounts of time. I may not think that I am using math, but without it I would have a cold tortilla! Counting may be what we all learned in Pre-school, but we learned in then for a reason- we will always use it! When i danced dozens of hours a week, my counting was at it's prime time. When I tap dance today, sometimes it is necessary for me to accentuate every second count and every fifth count per every eight count. In order to keep up with my choreography I have to be right on top of my game, because if i miscount, I willaccentuate my movement at the wrong time resulting in my tap sounds to deviate from the other students in my class. Even though it may seem like I'm just tapping my feet, I'm actually thinking very hard.
When purchasing an item that's let's say $27.25, its logical to give the cashier $30.25 (if you're paying cash), so you don't have to struggle with the change. Throughout life it is imperative to know the difference between nickels, dimes, and quarters, and even though that may seem simple, it could meant the difference of losing money or gaining profit, even if it is little. I would like to use math more often in order to calculate the amount of money I spend vs. save, because financial management is a great skill to have throughout life. Without knowing your income in comparison to your expenses, you could end up in some serious debt, so I would like to be more savvy in terms of money and financial plans for the future.
Even in the most organic, simple ways, math is always present, and if it isn't, then something isn't quite right.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Response to 9%
Percents. Grades, Slopes- All have different meanings, but at the same time they can be alike. In school, the higher the grade/percent in a class is what we all aim for, and if we try hard enough we will achieve it. Getting a high grade takes a lot of effort. Going up a slope with a high grade takes a lot of effort. Yes, there will always be that person who can walk up a steep hill faster than you, or one who aces a test without trying, but those people- they are lucky. In reality, a low percent you get on a test is not something to be proud of, and getting up a on a hill with a 50% grade is something to be way more proud of compared to getting up a 2% grade.
When one becomes old and frail, it is imperative that they do what they can in order to maintain a happy, healthy, lifestyle, while still minimizing their physical effort. In order to get around, many people of the older generation use wheelchairs. To maneuver around, and in order to get places, instead of going up and down stairs, one must go up and down a slope. The slope for a handicap ramp is in the ratio of 1:12, meaning that for every foot horizontally, the slope has to decrease by one inch. If the slope was 2:12 it would be much more difficult for people of age to go on them. In order to accomplish tasks, such as climbing a mountain, getting a good grade, or even wheeling your wheelchair up a slope, you need to exert energy.
Technically a slope is "rise over run," which is used in mathematical procedures, and in the daily world. In the real world, slopes/grades should ultimately get you somewhere, but only if you put in the effort!
When one becomes old and frail, it is imperative that they do what they can in order to maintain a happy, healthy, lifestyle, while still minimizing their physical effort. In order to get around, many people of the older generation use wheelchairs. To maneuver around, and in order to get places, instead of going up and down stairs, one must go up and down a slope. The slope for a handicap ramp is in the ratio of 1:12, meaning that for every foot horizontally, the slope has to decrease by one inch. If the slope was 2:12 it would be much more difficult for people of age to go on them. In order to accomplish tasks, such as climbing a mountain, getting a good grade, or even wheeling your wheelchair up a slope, you need to exert energy.
Technically a slope is "rise over run," which is used in mathematical procedures, and in the daily world. In the real world, slopes/grades should ultimately get you somewhere, but only if you put in the effort!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Why are We so Illiterate in Mathematics?
U.S. Citizens aren't very savvy mathematically. We think we are the most intelligent, intellectual human beings that have ever existed, but in reality-we are not. Americans tend to exaggerate over just about anything and everything, and as an American, I know for a fact that one feels satisfied when people believe your stories.
In daily life, math is everywhere, as Ms. Mariner's blog states so. One may be acing their math class at school or be extraordinarily smart, but when we try connecting math to the real world, things tend to get out of proportion. In Ms. Mariner's blog, she talks about how in daily life we're always supposed to put in 110% effort (even though that's impossible). In "street terms", putting in all your effort signifies that you are working very hard and that needs to be rewarded, but instead of '110%', there needs to be another term to use that is correct. Americans like to throw out random percentages,proportions, mathematical terms, and numbers to make themselves feel smart- even if their statements are false. We may be smart in class, but U.S citizens aren't the most street smart people because we take random shapes and facts from our math class and try relating them to the real world, even if one doesn't have anything in common with the other.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Ms. Mariner's blog "Jamm n' Peaches" is truly about how it is imperative to work hard and effectively in order to get impressive results. Right off the bat, she assumed that just because in the past she had been unsuccessful with her plants, she would be this time too. This is very similar in math class because if you previously have been struggling, you may think you're out of hope. In her home, she has the privilege of seeing beautiful plants which is similar to the potential one has in math class. The clippers are similar to the different approaches/techniques we will need to use in order to get good results, but if we don't utilize them correctly, we may not get the outcome (test grade) we were looking for. One needs to approach math class with a clear mind and and willingness to accept help from others. The message in "Jamm n' Peaches", is even if you may think you're working with no skills, there is always access to better yourself.
Personally, I enjoy mathematics the majority of the time. When I don't like it, are the times when I'm having a difficult time understanding the material, and in that case I tend to get frustrated. Math can either come very easy to me, but many times I have trouble grasping my head around the concept. I learn math best when the teacher is clear in explaining, and answers my questions in the most simple way possible. The most effective way that I learn is when the teacher does problems up on the board, and goes through everything step by step. Just as long as my questions are answered to the best of the teacher's ability I should be fine.
Personally, I enjoy mathematics the majority of the time. When I don't like it, are the times when I'm having a difficult time understanding the material, and in that case I tend to get frustrated. Math can either come very easy to me, but many times I have trouble grasping my head around the concept. I learn math best when the teacher is clear in explaining, and answers my questions in the most simple way possible. The most effective way that I learn is when the teacher does problems up on the board, and goes through everything step by step. Just as long as my questions are answered to the best of the teacher's ability I should be fine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)