Math Application Links
The word “application” has become almost a dirty
word among math students, being used synonymously with “word problem.” Actually, application is simply math that is
used in real life! Here are some
examples of real-life examples of math in action.
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Negative numbers are not as intuitive as positive ones, but here are some practical
examples involving calculations with them.
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Multiplying
negative numbers -
Why does negative times negative = positive?
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Bad points from polynomial fractions produce resonance in the physical world. The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is
a dramatic example of failure to account for bad points.
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Functions are a way of representing data graphically, which is often easier than
using tables. Here are a few examples:
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Linear - Heart rate
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Quadratic (parabolic) – Annual
home inventory
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Cubic – Weight with age
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Exponential - Home
prices, foreclosures, defaults, accident rates
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Logarithmic (approximate) – Height
with age
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Interest calculations on loan or mortgage payments can help you save
money and make better choices. Here’s a simple spreadsheet that calculates a
payment if you know the interest rate, principal, and duration of the
loan. For more explanation on how mortgages
work, check out this website.
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Powers of ten are especially important in
dealing with very large or very small numbers. To see how "one little number" can
have a great effect, check out this video.
