MATA02H3 Lecture : MATA02 Weeks 1 and 2
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MATA02H3 Full Course Notes
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Math as a cultural phenomenon: people think about math everyday, not only computer scientists/engineers, every day, people have ideas about numbers, space and shape. Ancient middle east, the mediterranean (egypt, greece, etc. : social values are reflected in words for numbers. English: trio, triad, triplet: computing and calculating, evidence: Islamic world, christian abacus: modern decimal notation. Numeracy by eleanor robson (reading: numeracy = analog of literacy for math, measurement and control, evidence: American world: census, statistical analysis ( growing trust in numbers : numeracy and gender. Bolivian weaving: complicated patterns and counting: numeracy in schools, supermarkets, etc. Applying math skills in every day life is largely uncorrelated to performance in school. Learning takes place most effectively in the context it is pertaining to: numeracy is to mathematics as language is to literature. Assignment #1: read numeracy and write a commentary (450-500 words) whether you agree/disagree with the above statement, due: wednesday in class.
