their bare structures—is a feature that makes mathematics a powerful intellectual
tool. But these are not sufficient. Much of the mathematics taught in grades 7 to
12 is there because it is important outside the math classroom. Foundation appli-
cations, like paths of projectiles, should not be stripped away, but rather should
be used to motivate the arithmetic, algebraic, or geometric concepts. Further, stu-
dents should have an opportunity to see a broad expanse of math applications so
they can find links between their interests and aspirations and their mathematics
coursework.
This book is an effort to promote real-world connections as they are applied
in people’s daily lives and careers. It is an account of the mathematical applica-
tions that we have learned and shared with people in our teaching careers. We
hope this reference guide helps you enjoy and appreciate the use and application
of mathematics in our culture and environment. We hope you will find some
answers to the question, “When are we ever going to use this?”
audience
This book is intended to be a reference guide for anyone interested in under-
standing how some high school mathematics concepts are applied in nature and
society. We hope that high school students, teachers, and librarians use these
ideas to enhance their learning, teaching, and appreciation for mathematics. The
mathematics described here cover concepts that are found in courses from pre-
algebra through introductory calculus. Each of the concepts is presented so that
the reader can gain different levels of understanding due to the varying levels of
mathematical complexity. A student or parent referencing the term
angle will
learn through descriptive text and diagrams that it is used for a variety of pur-
poses in navigation and road construction. A student who has learned trigonom-
etry may gain a deeper understanding as to
how an engineer might use the math-
ematics to make predictions by viewing different formulas and calculations. Our
intent is to make the content readable by all levels and ages of students, thereby
hoping that they will recognize value in the applications of mathematics, regard-
less of their backgrounds.
purpose
This reference guide is an effort to provide exposure to mathematical appli-
cations, and should not be regarded as a primary tool for learning and instruction.
Since we do not intend to teach mathematical concepts here, there are occasions
in which mathematics is discussed without reference as to how an equation is
formed or how it was solved. Instead, each concept is informally described so
that primary emphasis can be placed on its applications. We do not intend for
teachers to teach mathematics in the way it is presented here. Instead, the text
should be used as a tool to enhance current instructional practices, or to spark
student interest in math, or to create a classroom activity grounded in a particu-
lar application. Therefore, we feel that a more cohesive learning environment
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