Lesson 1: Musing on Mathematics

What is the etymology of the word 'mathematics'?

• The study of numbers

• That which is learnt, what one gets to know

• A useless obstacle course in school

• A body of formulas and rules for solving equations

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

According to the text, what is the ideal world of mathematics?

• The world of physical objects

• The world of scientific thought

• The world of abstract concepts

• The world of human culture

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the main theme when learning about math according to the text?

• The nature of math

• The history of math

• The applications of math

• The beauty of math

According to Platonism, how is mathematics viewed?

• Mathematical objects are real and discovered by mathematicians

• Mathematical symbols are meaningless

• Mathematics is like a game of chess

• Mathematical objects are created by mathematicians

Tags

CCSS.8.NS.A.1

What is the goal of the formalists in mathematics?

• To understand the language of nature

• To find the axioms that would lead to every possible true mathematical statement

• To create mathematical objects

• To appreciate the beauty of mathematics

Tags

CCSS.HSN.CN.A.3

What is the main reason for people's fear of math according to the text?

• Difficult and complex ideas

• The unknown

• Geniuses

• Bullies

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the significance of Riemannian geometry mentioned in the text?

• It is the framework needed by Einstein in the formulation of general relativity

• It is the basis of the most secure cryptographic systems

• It is highly abstract and esoteric

• It is a useless obstacle course in school

What is the role of mathematics in the physical world according to the text?

• It is a useless obstacle course in school

• It is a boring and formal science

• It provides the tools to make sense of the physical world

• It is confined to the classroom

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the view of formalists regarding mathematical symbols?

• Mathematical objects are created by mathematicians

• Mathematics is like a game of chess

• Mathematical objects are real and discovered by mathematicians

• Mathematical symbols are meaningless

According to the text, what is the nature of mathematics?

• A way of thinking, a way of looking at the world

• A language of science

• A useless obstacle course in school

• A tool for understanding the physical world