Math is a core subject that students take every single year in school. The concepts that they learn continue to build on one another and become more advanced. But while students are solving for X or plotting points on a graph, they wonder when they will ever use these skills in real life. It can be difficult for them to find the connection to other situations.
Math is all around us, popping up in ways we often overlook. For instance, deciding whether you have time to take a shower before dinner or should wait until after. You need to know how to calculate the time it will take you versus the amount of time available. There are plenty of other areas that math is used as well:
Finances
Saving, spending, and budgeting money are a major part of life. You use math to figure out whether you have enough money to buy something and how much you’ll save if it’s on sale. It is integral in developing a budget and determining how you will divide up the money you have. If you use a credit card or take out a loan, you will want to calculate the interest to know how much extra you’ll owe. The same applies to investments – how much will they grow over time or fluctuate with the stock market?
Cooking
Every time you prepare a recipe, you are using math: measuring ingredients, adjusting cook times, and dividing out servings. If you need one cup of flour and only have a one-quarter cup measuring cup, how many times do you fill it? If the recipe makes four servings and you need eight, you use math to double the ingredients.
Decorating
Whether working in your bedroom, college dorm, or own house, your math skills are put to use when decorating. You’ll need to know the area of the wall to buy enough paint. Putting down a new rug? What size do you need? It helps to know the dimensions of different objects and spaces when trying to figure out where to put everything or if that new desk you’ve been looking at will fit. Even hanging pictures on the wall requires some calculations to space them evenly.
Travel
Going on a road trip can be exciting, but how long will it take you to get there? Which route is the shortest? Which one is the fastest based on speed limits? Suddenly plotting points on a map isn’t so irrelevant. You’ll also need to take into consideration the cost of gas, hotels, food, and entertainment to make sure you have enough money.
Sports
A lot of sports involve math and strategy. Whom should you pass the ball to in order to score? Can you make the shot from this distance? What angle do you need to hold the tennis racket to hit the ball over the net? Math is also involved in keeping score. It can help you decide whether you should go for a touchdown or if a field goal is enough.
Measurement. Probability. Statistics. Area and perimeter. Money. These are math concepts you come across every day. You probably figure out the answers in your head without even realizing it. But your ability to do this stems from a strong foundation in math.
Helping students to understand real-world applications can emphasize the value of what they are learning and increase their interest. Crafting Scholars works with students to ensure there are no gaps in their learning, and that they know how to correctly perform different math skills. No matter what level math course they are taking, we are here to help them master the standards through personalized tutoring. Contact us today to learn more!