Mathematics in the Modern World – Key Vocabulary

These vocabulary flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on how mathematics functions as both an art and a practical tool in healthcare, elections, weather forecasting, transportation, finance, pattern recognition, and fundamental definitions.

Mathematics as an Art

The view that math involves creativity, intuition, and elegant expression in problem-solving and pattern discovery.

Logical Reasoning

Using structured, evidence-based principles to arrive at valid conclusions or solutions.

Healthcare Mathematics

The application of numbers, formulas, and statistics to dosing, monitoring vitals, analyzing tests, and hospital management.

Medicine Dosage Calculation

Using ratios and formulas to determine the correct amount of medication for a patient.

Medical Statistics

Collecting and analyzing data to study diseases, detect patterns, and evaluate new treatments.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

Philippine agency that employs mathematics in automated systems to tally votes quickly and accurately.

Automated Election System

Computerized vote-counting process that relies on algorithms and percentages to determine winners.

Party-List Allocation

Mathematical distribution of congressional seats based on each party’s percentage of votes.

Pre-Election Poll Survey

Statistical sampling used to predict electoral outcomes and analyze voter sentiment.

Election Fraud Detection

Using numerical patterns and statistical tests to uncover irregularities in vote counts.

Meteorology

The science of weather forecasting that uses measurements, mathematical models, and probability.

Mathematical Weather Model

Computer simulation that analyzes past data to predict future atmospheric conditions.

Probability of Precipitation

A statistical estimate, expressed as a percentage, of the likelihood of rain or snow.

Transportation Mathematics

Using math to calculate speed, distance, fuel use, scheduling, and traffic optimization.

GPS Navigation

System that employs geometry and coordinate calculations to determine precise locations for travel.

Banking Mathematics

Arithmetic and formulas used to manage deposits, loans, interest, and financial risk.

Interest Rate

Percentage charged on a loan or earned on savings, crucial for calculating future value.

Classical Definition of Mathematics

Aristotle’s view: the science of quantity, concerned with numbers, sizes, and amounts.

Modern Definition of Mathematics

Keith Devlin’s view: the science of patterns found in everyday life.

Applied Definition of Mathematics

Galileo’s idea of math as the language used to describe and explain the universe.

Pythagorean View

Belief that mathematics governs the universe and explains all natural phenomena.

Archimedes of Syracuse

Ancient Greek ‘Father of Mathematics’ who advanced geometry, calculus precursors, and number theory.

Brain Training through Math

The cognitive benefit of solving mathematical problems efficiently.

Pattern Recognition

Ability to detect regularities, a skill nurtured by mathematical study.

Logical Pattern

Systematic arrangement of ideas or arguments (e.g., cause-and-effect, if-then) to ensure coherence.

Geometric Pattern

Motif composed of repeating shapes governed by a mathematical rule.

Word Pattern

Recurring grammatical or syntactic structure, such as Subject-Verb-Object, used for clarity.

Number Pattern

Ordered list of numbers following a specific rule or property.

Fibonacci Sequence

Number pattern 1,1,2,3,5,8… where each term equals the sum of the two preceding ones.

Decision-Making with Math

Using quantitative analysis to choose the most rational course of action.