Why+Math

History of Math
Check this set of videos out - it helps put math in perspective

Grade 8
Why do we need to learn about the ** Pythagorean Theorem **?
 * design and build (ie. architecture, engineering
 * understanding geometric relationships (location, GPS)
 * can be used alongside graphing
 * building block leading to trigonometry (ie. sine, cosine)
 * draw right angle triangles without a pro tractor
 * real world applications:
 * how long does the ladder need to be to reach the rooftop?
 * what is the length of the hill?
 * can i throw a 2 x 2 m sheet of plywood through a 1 x 1.5 m window diagonally?
 * build a bike ramp that will clear a 2 m fence

Why do we need to learn about multiplying and dividing with ** Integers **?
 * Integers can be used to model money, buying and selling, and in particular debt - because most kids have allowances and some will be starting their first jobs. (Ex. If you owe $3 you can represent it as -3).
 * Integers are used in weather reports. (Ex. -3C, 5C, if it is -20C and temperature drops 3 degrees you end up at -23C).
 * Integers are used in sports statistics, (Ex. Hockey).
 * Integers are used in many online/video games (Ex. Halo point system).
 * Integers can be used to model cell phone text message limits. (Ex. You have 500 potential text messages for the year, if you use 10 a day when will you run out?) // . //

Why do we need to learn about multiplying and dividing with ** Fractions **?
 * Cooking and baking (Increasing or decreasing recipes)
 * In real life, we need to separate whole numbers into fractional objects (Ex. splitting a bill, dividing a cake, dividing homework assignments, etc)
 * Need for precision in measurement (Height, shoe sizes)
 * Music (Quarter notes, half notes)
 * Amount of free space remaining on an mp3 player
 * Test totals (If you get 3/4 on 3 questions and 4/4 on 2 questions, what is your total grade?)
 * Understanding sales ( 1/2 off our already reduced prices)

Why do we need to learn about calculating ** area and volume **?
 * comparing volumes in order to save money (optimization)
 * optimize area to build ice rink in back yard
 * know how much paint is needed to paint your walls in your room
 * to know which cup is actually bigger to get more chocolate milk than your siblings
 * wrapping gifts
 * baking
 * building a house for habitat for humanity

Why do we need to learn about ** decimals and ratios **?
 * money is based on decimals and ratios
 * calculating tax and sale prices
 * some recipes use ratios (e.g. rice cooks in a ratio of 1:2 with water)
 * maps use ratios (e.g. scales)
 * in sports - the statistics on players; co-ed male to female ratios
 * in art for spatial enlargement (like a photocopier does)
 * viewing size on computers (75%, 100%, 130%)

Why do we need to solve ** equations **?
 * long term:
 * money problems (managing your own finances, including taxes)
 * baking (finding how much of each ingredient you need
 * buying things online (costs + S&H + taxes)
 * determining what mark you are striving for
 * determining costs for group activity, with coupons or discounts (i.e. a birthday party, school dance, graduation)
 * predicting winners (elections, sports, betting)
 * prediction of effects on the environment and what to expect for the future