Saturday, March 16, 2013

The kind of mathematics I like and dislike

The kind of mathematics I dislike
  • Those academic mathematics that your teachers teach you.
    To follow the guidelines; the steps; which are very mechanical and completely boring. This is the reason why I've stopped teaching. Schools destroy every child's creativity.

    The kind of mathematics I like,
  • Mathematical Proof
    Where you don't know where to start to solve a problem; you will get lost at the very beginning; just keep exploring till you find the solution. No specific formulae to be used. Whether to use algebra or calculus or geometry -- it doesn't matter as long it is proved. This is much more playful and very artistic.

    Example, If two policemen are escorting a drunk prisoner between them, and both officers go to a cell, then (regardless of the path taken, and the fact that the prisoner may be wobbling about between the policemen) prove that the prisoner must also end up in the cell.
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