Where’d ya’ go?
November 28th, 2005 by SplineGuy
How many times can you watch “Finding Nemo” before you lose your mind? I don’t know for sure but I know that 5 times in as many days must be close. This entry’s title is one of my most quoted lines of the film (as the flounder hunts for those hooligans playing in his yard). ANYWAYS, to those that are asking that of the yours truly, I must say that my best days of blogging are yet to come. So far, I have blogged sporadically at best. I’d like to make this a decent resource for students and math enthusiasts to come and stretch their mind. (Yes, there is such a thing as a math enthusiast, and if you are not one, be careful: I’m out to convert you). So far, I don’t think I am succeeding.
I have a couple of ideas as a theme for this blog (in addition to personal blogging of my life’s work):
1. Mathematical illustrations of spiritual principles.
Consider the fact that science is man’s study of God’s creation. The language of science is mathematics. So its clear, the language of the Creator isn’t Hebrew but mathematics. Maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but there are a great many methods of mathematical analysis that can be used to illustrate spiritual principles.
2. Favorite theorem of the week.
Most mathematical theorems are marvels in logical thought and can be proved in amazing eloquent arguments. Mathematics can be absolutely beautiful, so its a great opportunity to describe those items I love about it.
3. Mathematical application of the week.
Mathematics is all around us. We can use it to solve all kinds of problems that come up everyday. Students often ask, “where will I ever have to use this?” I tell them all the same thing. Nowhere!! Its not a matter of “have to” but of “able to.” Those who choose to use what they’ve learned are more employable, promotable and just plain interesting.
Any preference or other ideas?
Hmmm….
biggest math blunder of the week? Craziest question asked by a student?
All of the above?
I am one of the unconverted masses. I am steadfast in my non-belief. However, I was also one of those who knew with violent certainty that I would have no use for this math stuff in my chosen profession. (That’s why they call ‘em social sciences.)
Imagine my despair when, after six months of work, I realized that the monthly report I had to send in to the state to verify the “services” provided - was based on an algebraic equation. Bah!