This page is concerned with mathematics itself rather than the details. What's it's all about, what it's for, why we should study it, and if we do, how to go about it.

Why Study Maths?

Maths Everywhere

Reasons for studying mathematics and the practical applications of mathematical ideas - by the UK's Open University.

The Methodology of Mathematics

Ronald Brown and Timothy Porter of the Centre for the Popularisation of Mathematics (University of Wales, Bangor, UK), reflect on the following questions -

1. "Is mathematics important? If so, for what, in what contexts,and why?
2. What is the nature of mathematics, in comparison with other subjects?
3. What are the objects of study of mathematics?
4. What is the methodology of mathematics, what is the way it goes about its job?
5. Is there research going on in mathematics? If so, how much? What are its broad aims or main aims? What are its most important achievements? How does one go about doing mathematical research?
6. What is good mathematics?"

"Mathematics" from Encarta

A useful 12 page encyclopedic article begins with the following quote but note that MSN Encarta is to be discontinued on October 31, 2009 - copyright restrictions will prevent us posting a copy here!

"Mathematics, a way of describing relationships between numbers and other measurable quantities. Mathematics can express simple equations as well as interactions among the smallest particles and the farthest objects in the known universe. Mathematics allows scientists to communicate ideas using universally accepted terminology. It is truly the language of science."

"Mathematics," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2009
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2009 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
 

How to Study Maths

Paul's Online Math Notes

Although aimed at students taking university maths classes, this is detailed and excellent advice for any type of learner - from Paul Dawkins of Lamar University, Texas.

" ..... everyone studies differently and there is no one right way to study for a math class. There are a lot of tips in this document and there is a pretty good chance that you will not agree with all of them or find that you can’t do all of them due to time constraints. There is nothing wrong with that. We all study differently and all that anyone can ask of us is that we do the best that we can."

The Story of Maths

Regrettably, the YouTube videos have has now been withdrawn by the BBC.

This is just the first introductory part of a BBC documentary on the history of mathematics, from its early beginnings to its current challenges. There are 4 episodes: The Language of the Universe & the Origins of Mathematics; The Genius of the East; The Renaissance of Mathematics & The Frontiers of Space; The Frontiers of Science, The 20th Century.

" ..... a fantastic walk through the history and development of mathematics.", comments a viewer.
(BBC4 Have Your Say)

Challenging Problems

"Project Euler is a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve. Although mathematics will help you arrive at elegant and efficient methods, the use of a computer and programming skills will be required to solve most problems."

Win a Million Dollars!

Maths up to speed? - there are million dollar prizes offered by the Clay Mathematics Institute waiting for the solution to maths problems.

"In order to celebrate mathematics in the new millennium, The Clay Mathematics Institute of Cambridge, Massachusetts (CMI) has named seven Prize Problems. The Scientific Advisory Board of CMI selected these problems, focusing on important classic questions that have resisted solution over the years. The Board of Directors of CMI designated a $7 million prize fund for the solution to these problems, with $1 million allocated to each."