I LOVE Math!
I never thought I would ever say this, but this was what entered my mind as I was working on something this morning. It amazes me that this subject that gave me headaches and fear and nightmares when I was a student is now the most useful and helpful of the three "R's" (Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic).
Oh, I avoided math subjects and only took those that were required so I could finish my degree. I remember my Algebra teacher - not because of what I learned in Algebra but because of some memorable quotes from her. I remember there is a pi, but not why I should know it. I would really rather eat a pie.
But now, at this point in my life, math makes sense, Yes, I could say it, I love math.
I love how important it is in everyday life: how fractions make sense when you are measuring a window or a fabric or a string; or how you figure out square-footage of an area when you want to change your floor; or how to estimate how many boxes you need of the flooring material; or how much it would actually cost you to do a project at home. You are not at the mercy of your contractor. You know. That is power!
I love how math makes things understandable. I was looking at what were seemingly complicated numbers, but with a little common sense (which, according to my Algebra teacher, is not common to all - oh that's what I remember of her!) and basic math, I was able to dissect, simplify, and make sense of them.
I will never remember why x is such and y is this and z is that. Those test questions never connected with me. But I know that for an area of an x square feet, I will need a y BTU to make the room cold.
Just earlier, I was doing some mental calculations on several invoices I was working on so I do not need to use the calculator to arrive at the number I need - and the surprise is, I am batting 99%.
But here's my secret that just dawned on me: I remembered what my sister, Ate Ellie, taught her pupils for solving multiplication and division problems - that is to use what they already know - how to add and deduct! She was not teaching me then, I was just listening - and it made sense then and I've used that principle since. I have never told her this. I've actually forgotten about this, until now.
So, I love math, math makes sense, and thank you, my dear Ate Ellie!
Oh, I avoided math subjects and only took those that were required so I could finish my degree. I remember my Algebra teacher - not because of what I learned in Algebra but because of some memorable quotes from her. I remember there is a pi, but not why I should know it. I would really rather eat a pie.
But now, at this point in my life, math makes sense, Yes, I could say it, I love math.
I love how important it is in everyday life: how fractions make sense when you are measuring a window or a fabric or a string; or how you figure out square-footage of an area when you want to change your floor; or how to estimate how many boxes you need of the flooring material; or how much it would actually cost you to do a project at home. You are not at the mercy of your contractor. You know. That is power!
I love how math makes things understandable. I was looking at what were seemingly complicated numbers, but with a little common sense (which, according to my Algebra teacher, is not common to all - oh that's what I remember of her!) and basic math, I was able to dissect, simplify, and make sense of them.
I will never remember why x is such and y is this and z is that. Those test questions never connected with me. But I know that for an area of an x square feet, I will need a y BTU to make the room cold.
Just earlier, I was doing some mental calculations on several invoices I was working on so I do not need to use the calculator to arrive at the number I need - and the surprise is, I am batting 99%.
But here's my secret that just dawned on me: I remembered what my sister, Ate Ellie, taught her pupils for solving multiplication and division problems - that is to use what they already know - how to add and deduct! She was not teaching me then, I was just listening - and it made sense then and I've used that principle since. I have never told her this. I've actually forgotten about this, until now.
So, I love math, math makes sense, and thank you, my dear Ate Ellie!
posted by PHLOR TORREJOS at 1:09 PM
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