Idea: The secret key to mathematics is pattern.
Reflection 1: I found this line on a math website a while ago while I was trying to look for math lessons and it seemed to have stuck in my head not because I love it, find it inspirational or truly understand it. I think it stuck with me mostly because it is so definite, clear and confident. Now that I think about it, to better understand what it mean, I first need to look it up. What is pattern?
There were 5 definitions on www.dictionary.com. I've listed the 3rd, 4th and 5th because I feel they are most appropriate for math.
3. a natural or chance marking, configuration, or design: patterns of frost on the window.
5.a combination of qualities, acts, tendencies, etc., forming a consistent or characteristic arrangement: the behavior patterns of teenagers.
I like these definitions. Math is a design. It's a group of 'things' together in some kind of arrangement but in a distinctive, specific style. Math has a meaning. Numbers are woven through, stitched, and placed next to each other to create something new. It's consistent and reliable. Sure sounds a little romantic doesn't it? A little artsy fartsy? I thought so too. But, I like thinking about math this way. It's approachable for me this way. I'm a drama student and spend most of my first year at university making jokes at the Faculty of Engineering's expense.
I am feeling closer to this "secret key" notion. In math there is a series. We add, then add, then add again to multiply. We take away, take away and take away over and over again, to divide.
I like these definitions. Math is a design. It's a group of 'things' together in some kind of arrangement but in a distinctive, specific style. Math has a meaning. Numbers are woven through, stitched, and placed next to each other to create something new. It's consistent and reliable. Sure sounds a little romantic doesn't it? A little artsy fartsy? I thought so too. But, I like thinking about math this way. It's approachable for me this way. I'm a drama student and spend most of my first year at university making jokes at the Faculty of Engineering's expense.
I am feeling closer to this "secret key" notion. In math there is a series. We add, then add, then add again to multiply. We take away, take away and take away over and over again, to divide.
Reflection 2: I have a memory for moments when I have been moved towards an idea, thought or word of wisdom. Mathematics is not my strength, I've noted this multiple times already in other posts and having this connection to a pattern and a variety of accessible definitions, helps me to understand mathematics as an art. It's some kind of production you could say.
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