Mathematics (nonfiction)

From Gnomon Chronicles
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Mathematics (from Greek μάθημα máthēma, "knowledge, study, learning") is the study of topics such as (numbers (nonfiction)), structure (nonfiction), space (nonfiction), time (nonfiction), motion (nonfiction), change (nonfiction), and measurement (nonfiction).

Definition

There is a range of views among mathematicians (nonfiction) and philosophers as to the exact scope and definition of mathematics.

Patterns and conjectures

Mathematicians seek out patterns and use them to formulate new conjectures (nonfiction).

Mathematical proof

Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proof (nonfiction).

Physics

When mathematical structures are good models of real phenomena, then mathematical reasoning can provide insight or predictions about nature.

See Physics (nonfiction).

Fundamental principles

Through the use of Abstraction (mathematics) (nonfiction) and logic (nonfiction), mathematics developed from:

History

Practical mathematics has been a human activity for as far back as written records exist.

Effort required

The research required to solve mathematical problems can take years or even centuries of sustained inquiry.

Nonfiction cross-reference

Fiction cross-references

External links