What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects. Mathematics is a subject of numbers, shapes, data, measurements and also logical activities. It has a huge scope in every field of our life, such as medicine, engineering, finance, natural science, economics, etc. We are all surrounded by a mathematical world.

The concepts, theories and formulas that we learn in Maths books have huge applications in real-life. To find the solutions for various problems we need to learn the formulas and concepts. Therefore, it is important to learn this subject to understand its various applications and significance.

What Is The Definition of Mathematics?

Mathematics simply means to learn or to study or gain knowledge. The theories and concepts given in mathematics help us understand and solve various types of problems in academic as well as in real life situations.

Mathematics is a subject of logic. Learning mathematics will help students to grow their problem-solving and logical reasoning skills. Solving mathematical problems is one of the best brain exercises.

Basic Mathematics

The fundamentals of mathematics begin with arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These are the basics that every student learns in their elementary school. Here is a brief of these operations.

  • Addition: Sum of numbers (Eg. 1 + 2 = 3)
  • Subtraction: Difference between two or more numbers (Eg. 5 – 4 = 1)
  • Multiplication: Product of two or more numbers (Eg. 3 x 9 = 27)
  • Division: Dividing a number into equal parts (Eg. 10 ÷ 2 = 5, 10 is divided in 2 equal parts)

History of Mathematics

Mathematics is a historical subject. It has been explored by various mathematicians across the world since centuries, in different civilizations. Archimedes, from the BC century is known to be the Father of Mathematics. He introduced formulas to calculate surface area and volume of solids. Whereas, Aryabhatt, born in 476 CE, is known as the Father of Indian Mathematics.

In the 6th century BC, the study of mathematics began with the Pythagoreans, as a “demonstrative discipline”. The word mathematics originated from the Greek word “mathema”, which means “subject of instruction”.

Another mathematician, named Euclid, introduced the axiom, postulates, theorems and proofs, which are also used in today’s mathematics.

History of Mathematics has been an ancient study and is described by each part of the world, in a varying method. There were many mathematicians who have given different theories for many concepts, which we are applying in modern mathematics.

Numbers, which we use for calculations, had variations in the medieval period. The Romans introduced the Roman numerals that uses English alphabets to represent a number, such as:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

Branches of Mathematics

The main branches of mathematics are:

  • Number System
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Calculus
  • Topology
  • Trigonometry
  • Probability and Statistics

These mathematical concepts fall under pure mathematics. These form the base of mathematics. In our academics we will come across all these theories and fundamentals to solve questions based on them.

Applied mathematics is another form, where mathematicians, scientists or technicians use mathematical concepts to solve practical problems. It describes the professional use of mathematics.

Symbols in Mathematics

Some of the basic and most important symbols, used in mathematics, are listed below in the table.

Symbol

Name

Meaning

Application

not equal sign

inequality

11 ≠ 6

=

equals sign

equality

4 = 2 + 2

<

strict inequality

less than

6 < 11

>

strict inequality

greater than

9 > 8

[ ]

brackets

calculate expression inside first

[2×5] + 7 = 17

( )

parentheses

calculate expression inside first

3 × (3 + 7) = 30

minus sign

subtraction

5 − 2 = 3

+

plus sign

addition

4 + 5 = 9

×

times sign

multiplication

4 × 3 = 12

*

asterisk

multiplication

2 * 3 = 6

÷

division sign / obelus

division

15 ÷ 5 = 3

These are the most common symbols used in basic mathematical calculations. To get more maths symbols click here.

Properties in Mathematics

In mathematics, we learn about four major properties of numbers. They are:

These are the four basic properties of numbers. These properties are also applicable to some other mathematical concepts such as algebra.

Rules in Mathematics

The most common rule used in mathematics is the BODMAS rule. As per this rule, the arithmetic operations are performed based on the brackets and order of operations. By the full form of BODMAS, we can easily understand this logic.

BODMAS – Brackets Orders Division Multiplication Addition and Subtraction

Therefore, the first priority here is given to the brackets then division>multiplication>addition>subtraction.

For example, if we have to solve [5+(3 x 5)÷2], then using the BODMAS rule, first multiply 3 and 5, within the brackets.

→ 5+(3 x 5)÷2 = 5 + 15÷2

Now divide 15 by 2

→ 5 + 7.5

→ 12.5

Formulas in Mathematics

Here are some common formulas used in mathematics to solve multiple problems.

Topics in Mathematics

Let us see some important topics for each Class (from 1 to 12) that are covered under mathematics.

Class 1 Mathematics

Class 2 Mathematics

Class 3 Mathematics

Class 4 Mathematics

Class 5 Mathematics

Class 6 Mathematics

Class 7 Mathematics

Class 8 Mathematics

Class 9 Mathematics

Class 10 Mathematics

Class 11 Mathematics

Class 12 Mathematics

Frequently Asked Questions on Mathematics

Q1

Define Mathematics.

Mathematics is a subject that deals with numbers, shapes, logic, quantity and arrangements. Mathematics teaches to solve problems based on numerical calculations and find the solutions.

Q2

Why is Mathematics an important subject for students?

Learning mathematics will help students to build their logical thinking and problem solving skills. It has huge applications in day to day life. The basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are the most important part of our lives. Based on these operations, we do numerous calculations.

Q3

Who is the Father of Mathematics?

Archimedes, (287-212 BC) is known to be the Father of Mathematics.

Q4

Which part of mathematics does Trigonometry belong to?

Geometry is one of the most important branches of mathematics that includes trigonometry, where we deal with sides and angles of a right triangle. It has huge applications in the fields of construction and architecture.

Q5

What are the two forms of Mathematics?

Mathematics is described in two forms:

Pure mathematics and Applied mathematics

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