Numbers are written signs or symbols that represent a
specific quantity. In mathematics, we use Arabic symbols, while Roman
numerals use letters from the alphabet. The Chinese, on the other hand, use
strokes to depict their number system.
Growing up, I was one of the many students who had a fear of numbers and
arithmetic. The mere mention of mathematics would send me into a frenzy. I
couldn't understand the logic behind mathematical concepts such as "two
minuses make a plus." This fear was not uncommon, but it was also not
logical. Whenever I tried to express my fear to mathematical geniuses, they
would look at me as if I were from another planet.
However, despite my fear of mathematics, I had a fascination for numbers. I
attribute this fascination to the card games I used to play with my
grandfather. Some educationists believe that exposing young children to
number card games can make them gifted. Unfortunately, this was not the case
for me. Nonetheless, I did manage to get a distinction in Mathematics at
Form Three, which I attribute to either a lucky exam paper or my amazing
Mathematics teacher. This teacher erased my irrational fears of numbers and
taught me the basics of mathematics.
From my personal experience, I believe that anyone can learn mathematics
with the right foundation and guidance. Just like the three Rs of reading,
writing, and arithmetic, the principles of mathematical understanding can
also be applied. A basic knowledge of mathematics is essential in our world
where everything revolves around numbers.
We encounter numbers in our daily lives, from queue numbers at banks and
offices to seat numbers on buses, trains, and planes. Even hotel rooms and
building floors are numbered. Our identification papers are also numbered,
and forgetting them can lead to embarrassment. The government and police
view us as numbers and statistics, and without numbers, the world would be
chaos. It's crucial to remember all our important numbers to avoid identity
theft.
Science fiction has explored the use of palm prints, eye iris, and access
codes to prevent false entry into high-security buildings. However, these
measures can still be cloned, so nothing is completely secure. The TV series
"Numbers" highlights the power of variables in solving crimes through
mathematical theories and hypotheses.
Numbers will continue to dominate our daily lives as long as we don't let
robots control and manipulate our thinking. Numbers have a significant
impact on our lives, and understanding their power is essential. |