I am the sort of person who is OK with arithmetic – because we all use addition-subtraction and division-multiplication in our everyday lives. But when it comes to abstract mathematical concepts of algebra and geometry my eyes glaze over in incomprehension. So I really identified with this viral tweet about never using the Pythagorean Theorem in life --- or anywhere other than school.
For two years this was my WhatsApp status: well, another day has passed and I haven’t used algebra once. So I totally understand those who are flummoxed by algebra and geometry; who wonder why in heaven we all have to learn it compulsorily in school.
The importance of exercise, proper nutrition, doing one's taxes, managing personal finances are the things kids should be learning in school. Maybe theorems are less important?
They explained how we use all those seemingly abstract math concepts in daily life without even realising it.
School is all about following rules – of school, math, science, grammar. Alas it is true that kids are taught to obey and not question or critically assess what they are taught by their ‘elders and betters’.
This apparently is the simple version.
Perhaps it is a phone limitation?
Some of us are traumatised by maths. It’s too hard!
They feel that maths has utility and real-life application just as much as music, cooking, or speaking a foreign language.
Music, cooking and speaking a foreign language are certain more useful argues this commentator. The point is that these things are usually optional and aren't forced on us in school whereas the blasted Pythagorean Theorem is.
They feel the need to defend the old dead guy who created/discovered/postulated it. Some made jokes about him.
Teachers would have offered some strange reasons for why students needed to learn the theorem.
A lot of people agree with this.
Yes there are people who love maths – I am even familiar with a few – they can get a little defensive.
As this tweet clarifies, no one is dissing maths here. It is important and we do probably use it unconsciously in our daily lives. But do we all really have to learn the Pythagoras Theorem in school? Can we not just skip over it if some of us find it utterly unfathomable?
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