Deploying the art of curiosity in mathematics for daily living

ALTHOUGH mathematics as a subject is a discipline of science, it can, however, fit every sphere of human existence.

This was made known recently by Professor Adelere Ezekiel Adeniran of the Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, during a lecture at the Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan.

With the theme, ‘Pi and Beyond: Encouraging curiosity about math’s role in daily living,’ the lecture, which was held to celebrate the International Day of Mathematics, was organised by the Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA) to sensitise people on how life revolves around the discipline, despite the fact that many do not even know.

In his opening remarks on the occasion, the President-General of IGSOSA, Chief Gaphar Ojetola, described mathematics as the father of disciplines, while language is the mother.

“Mathematics is just so important to our daily life, that even those who do not have formal education also need it to survive.

“It provides the tool that saves our world, as it gives analytical and problem-solving skills.

“When you go to buy something from the market, how does the seller, who may not have acquired formal education know the amount you will collect as change for the items purchased? This is how mathematics help in our daily lives,” Chief Ojetola said, just as he encouraged current students of the school to embrace mathematics and not see it as a hard subject.

A mathematician of note and member of the Oyo State chapter of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mrs Yemisi Afolabi, also said everyday survival in the world depends on the knowledge of mathematics.

She encouraged students not to run away from the subject, but dedicate their time to the subject.

The lecturer, Professor Adeniran, said the celebration of the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics and its role in shaping the world, as well as promote its beauty.

“Pi is the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet, and it is used to represent the most widely known mathematical concept. The Hebrew word for God also looks like the Hebrew sign of Pi.

“It must be noted that the Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

“Therefore, in real life, it should stir curiosity that this is used in space engineering, construction, product design, fluid mechanics, aeronautical engineering, among others.

“The possibility of what Pi can do is infinite; it is a number that connects us to the past and guides us into the future.

“This concept can also be found in the Bible, which further projects the curiosity about the whole concept.”  

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