Maths in everyday life

Mathematics plays a key role in each day of our lives. Be it the hours of sleep, the quantity of ingredients used in cooking, volume of water we consume, or the duration of time spent studying, these all involve numbers. Any change in these numbers may have serious consequences, causing metabolic imbalances, hormonal disorders . At times these can also hinder the body’s ability to repair and regenerate, impairing our immune function.

Our smartphones operate based on complex algorithms and mathematical principles. From the encryption that protects our data to the compressed algorithms that allow us to share information seamlessly, Maths is the unsung hero behind the scene. Even the Global Positioning System ( GPS), a crucial part of our lives, uses complex mathematical algorithms to instantly calculate the shortest route, taking into account traffic patterns and real-time conditions. In this way, Maths ensures we reach our destinations efficiently, making our lives more convenient.

 

Maths in nature

The seasons’ changing patterns, guided by the tilt and orbit of the Earth, are intricately linked to Maths. The beauty emerges from the mathematical harmony seen in the predictable cycles of temperature and daylight variations.

The graceful spirals found in seashells, galaxies, and the arrangement of petals in a flower and such elegant forms are all manifestations of the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical progression where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. The inherent beauty lies in the precision and simplicity of this mathematical concept, demonstrating that the allure of nature is deeply intertwined with mathematical principles.

The physical beauty of humans that is intricately tied to symmetry, is yet another captivating mathematical marvel, rendering a harmonious visual appeal. In contrast, the microscopic amoeba, lacking symmetry, assumes a shapeless form, making it less aesthetically pleasing to the observer’s eye.

 

The connecting factor

Mathematics is more than just numbers and equations; it is the language of the universe, the code that governs the patterns and rhythms of our existence.A good example is the brand “Pringles”. The shape of the chips does not resemble that of any other company. It is in the shape of a hyperbolic parabola, that ensures the chips do not break and also makes stacking easier.

Mathematical principles like symmetry and proportion also serve as the foundation for masterpieces in Art. Artists, knowingly or not, use mathematical concepts to create works that are not only visually appealing but also resonate with a sense of balance and harmony. Artists and mathematicians use geometry in their work including shapes, symmetry, proportion, and measurement. In photography, it is the perfect angle and the accurate measurements that render a photo aesthetically appealing.

 

Students and Maths

Maths offers several intriguing areas for students. Be it the number zero discovered by Arya Bhatta, the elegance of pi, the mystery of prime numbers, or the harmony of music, are all shrouded in mystery. Maths fosters curiosity, encouraging us to ask questions,seek answers, remain flexible and to learn from our mistakes.

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from St. Joseph’s High School, Matigara, Darjeeling: Yashika Agarwal, Trisha Goyal, Sachi Agarwal and Eshana Prasad.