Why is Maths Important?

In a modern world, where students can get the answers they need with a click of a mouse, you might wonder whether mathematics is still an important subject. Do you really need to know algebra or trigonometry to be successful? Perhaps not, but there’s much more to maths than you might think. Here are some reasons why learning mathematics is important:
 
Maths teaches critical thinking skills
As they learn about the many different fields of mathematics, children learn important skills that they can apply to other subjects such as:
 

• logical reasoning,
• problem solving and,
• the ability to think in creative ways.

 
Mathematics teaches you how to analyse data by identifying patterns, posing questions and developing methods to work out the answers, and even how to test those answers for accuracy.
 
As a result, you learn how to think both critically and creatively; how to approach a problem from different angles and come up with a sound solution.
 
Maths has practical applications
You’re probably not aware of it, but you use maths every day. When you work out a monthly budget for your groceries or measure out the ingredients for a cake – you’re using maths. Even deciding when you need to leave to arrive in time for an appointment involves working with numbers.
 
Being able to quickly and accurately calculate distances, times, weights and percentages is a basic but important skill that makes our lives easier – and we have mathematics to thank for that.
 
Maths widens your career options
In recent years, you may have heard educators talk about the acronym STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These are all fields that require an advanced understanding of mathematics, and there is also a shortage of qualified candidates for careers in these fields. That means students who continue to study and excel at mathematics will have the opportunity to pursue lucrative and exciting jobs.
 
But even if you don’t want to be a scientist or an engineer, you’ll find that almost every job you can think of requires some understanding of mathematics. Architects and animators, photographers and fashion designers, market researchers and sales managers all use maths to do their jobs every day. If you study maths through to matric, you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of career options once you leave school.
 
Maths is the language of the universe
The laws and principles of mathematics help us to describe and understand our world. In fact, mathematics is not only the language of the universe, but a universal language. Adding numbers together or designing a new algorithm is the same no matter what language you speak or where you are in the world. This is part of what makes mathematics such an exciting subject.
 
While maths remains a challenging subject for many students, it’s obvious that it’s still a very important one. With a little effort, and a lot of practice, anyone can master maths. And there are many resources available to teachers, parents and students. Here at ABC Maths and Science, we recognised the need for additional exercises in electronic format and offer worksheets for mathematics from Grade 1 right through to Grade 12. If you need more information about our services, please get in touch.


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