Search

For most students, the subject of mathematics is studied on an almost daily basis from kindergarten through high school. But if asked, “What is mathematics?” the majority might struggle to formulate a meaningful answer, perhaps saying that mathematics is “arithmetic” or “algebra.” But saying that the essence of mathematics is arithmetic is akin to saying that the essence of chemistry is the periodic table; mathematics and chemistry are both so much more. Not only may students have difficulty describing what mathematics is, but even professional mathematicians struggle to provide a succinct, convincing description of the nature of their subject of expertise.