Page 8 - Math 21 Module_Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

With the rise of digital technology, many changes took place. Many new and
bright ideas, knowledge and insights were introduced in the society that had
improve every mankind’s way of living. In your everyday life, how often have you
paused to appreciate the beauty of things surrounding you? Have you even noticed
that you do the same routine tasks every day? Have you even wondered why some
social media posts become “trending” while others don’t even get a single reaction?
Have you noticed the sudden change in your routines during the COVID-19
pandemic? No matter how fast-paced this society is, peoples’ brain still tends to
recognize and follow patterns, whether consciously or subconsciously. Recognizing
patterns is indeed a natural thing that the brain does. Early humans had used
patterns and their awareness to these patterns, such as the interval of day and
night, the cycle of the moon, appearance of birds and the changing of dry to wet
season, had allowed them to survive. Truly, Mathematics plays a vital role in
everyone’s culture. Mathematics as a science also relies on both logic and creativity.
For some people, the essence of mathematics lies in its beauty and its intellectual
challenge. But for those whose works are mathematics-related, like engineers and
scientists, the main value of mathematics is how it is applied in their different fields
of specialization. Thus, because of the multifaceted role of mathematics in the life
of the people, understanding the nature of mathematics has become indispensable.
So in order to be able to use mathematics to facilitate performance of activities
such as problem solving which is abound in life, one needs to perceive and
understand mathematics as part of the everyday life, comprehend and appreciate
the very nature of mathematical thinking, and be acquainted with the important
mathematical ideas and skills.

This chapter presents patterns and regularities in the world, both in nature
and in human endeavours. It will also cover discussions on the importance of
Mathematics and its applications in various fields and in everyday living.