Math offers options

All students have to take compulsory math classes throughout their educational careers, ranging from algebra, to geometry to calculus. Whether they like it or not, they are stuck with math, and they can’t even escape the subject in college, where it is also often a required course.
Many ask, however, what is the point of learning all of this math? Everyone should have to know the basics to be able to perform daily tasks, such as counting money, balancing a checkbook, or maybe planning out a garden in your yard, but aside from a few exceptions, why do people have to learn any complex mathematics?
There are a great number of future jobs that utilize some type of math, even if it is not extremely complex. School math classes try to prepare students for these positions in the future.
Engineering, one of the most popular, and broadest job fields out there requires a strong mathematics base. To enter any type of position in this field, math will be critical, and if students don’t learn the basics of math, they most certainly will not be able to perform advanced equations. No one wants an engineer designing a bridge or a home if s/he does not have a strong understanding of the calculations.
Another expansive job field that appeals to many is business and administration. The possibility of making a great deal of capital and the ability to make your own hours are pretty big incentives to choosing a job in this field, but one has to have the skills in order to attain that job. To run a company effectively, people will need math just as much as any other skill set. Business mathematics areas include accounting, inventory management, marketing, sales forecasting, and financial analysis.

Above: Math is all around you and plays a role in everyday life. Photo Courtesy: www.noodle.com

Nonetheless, there are some people who believe they know exactly what they want to do with their futures, and that may have nothing to do with math. A person who aspires to be an English teacher or an artist might think mathematics will not be integral to job performance, but teachers must calculate SGO scores and grades, and artists will need to calculate sales or costs of supplies. Math can be just as important to people in these fields, where the application of mathematics does not seem obvious as first.
No one can know what the future holds, but things may happen that can change a person’s career path, so it is helpful to have a well-rounded background in all subjects. Teachers simply attempt to prepare students the best way they can so no matter what happens in the future, students will have the knowledge they need to succeed.