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Mathematics
Most high school students study several types of mathematics. In college, they complete
additional math courses, some of which prepare them to study even more kinds of mathematics. You
may think of math as one subject; in fact, there are many types of mathematics. This report describes
seven kinds.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic is the first branch of mathematics that you studied in elementary and middle school.
It deals with the study of numbers and the use of the four fundamental processes:
 Addition
 Subtraction
 Multiplication
 Division
Arithmetic is everyday math. You use it daily in your personal affairs, and arithmetic is the basis
for most other branches of mathematics (Davenport, 1999).
Algebra
Algebra is used widely to solve problems in business, industry, and science by using symbols,
such as x and y, to represent unknown values. The power of algebra is that it enables us to create,
write, and rewrite problem-solving formulas. Without algebra, we would not have many of the items
we use on a daily basis: television, radio, telephone, microwave oven, etc (Atiyah, 1994).
Geometry
Geometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with shapes. More specifically, geometry is
the study of relations, properties, and measurements of solids, surfaces, lines, and angles (Preparata,
Shamos, & Preparata, 1985). It is most useful in building or measuring things. Architects, astronomers,
construction engineers, navigators, and surveyors are just a few of the professionals who rely on
geometry.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is mathematics that deals with triangular measurements. Plane trigonometry
computes the relationships between the sides of triangles on level surfaces called planes. Spherical
trigonometry studies the triangles on the surface of a sphere (Foerster, 1984).
Calculus
Calculus is high-level mathematics dealing with rates of change (Mood, 1999). It has many
practical applications in engineering, physics, and other branches of science. Using calculus, we
understand and explain how water flows, the sun shines, the wind blows, and the planets cycle through
the heavens. Differential calculus determines the rate at which an object's speed changes. Integral
calculus determines the object's speed when the rate of change is known.
Probability
Probability is the study of the likelihood of an event's occurrence. It is useful in predicting the
outcomes of future events. Probability originated from the study of games of chance. It is now used for
other purposes, including to (1) control the flow of traffic through a highway system; (2) predict the
number of accidents people of various ages will have; (3) estimate the spread of rumors; (4) predict the
outcome of elections; and (5) predict the rate of return in risky investments (DeGroot & Schervish,
1986).
Statistics
Statistics is the branch of mathematics that helps mathematicians organize and find meaning in
data. Statistics is
. . . the science of collecting, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting data. Governmental needs
for census data as well as information about a variety of economic activities provided much of
the early impetus for the field of statistics. Currently the need to turn the large amounts of data
available in many applied fields into useful information has stimulated both theoretical and
practical developments in statistics. (Schutz, et al., 1998)
Summary
In conclusion, learning the various types of mathematics is helpful in preparing you for the
future. Mathematics is a strong component of any college program. Learning mathematics is necessary
to gain technical skills for jobs such as data processing, electronic technician, law enforcement, nursing,
and real estate. Mathematics is even helpful if you plan on attending a trade school to learn about
automotive maintenance, carpentry, computer repair, plumbing, etc. The military even requires soldiers
to take additional mathematics training. In any situation, mathematics helps you solve problems.
References
Atiyah, M. (1994). Introduction to commutative algebra. Westview Press.
Davenport, H. (1999). The higher arithmetic: An introduction to the theory of numbers. Cambridge
University Press.
DeGroot, M. H. & Schervish, M. J. (1986). Probability and statistics. Reading: Addison-Wesley.
Foerster, P. A. (1984). Algebra and trigonometry: Functions and applications. Reading: Addison-Wesley.
Mood, A. M. (1999). Introduction to the theory of calculus. Hartford: Dorrance Publishing Company.
Preparata, F. P., Shamos, M. I., & Preparata, F. P. (1985). Computational geometry: An introduction (Vol.
5). New York: Springer-Verlag.
Schutz, P. A., Drogosz, L. M., White, V. E., Marksman, R. I., Trophy, P., Wright, T., & Distefano, C.
(1998). Prior knowledge, attitude, and strategy use in an introduction to statistics course.
Learning and Individual Differences, 10(4), 291-308.