Numbering is a form of literacy that involves understanding and using numbers. Mathematics is about understanding the world through numbers, including basic arithmetic and more advanced math. Good math skills are essential for many jobs and everyday life, while poor math skills can lead to lower job prospects and other negative outcomes. Dyscalculia is a numerical learning disability that can be addressed with software programs and educational therapy techniques.
Numbering is where an individual can understand and use numbers. It is a form of literacy and has similar expectations and issues. Mathematics is about understanding the world through numbers and mathematics. Basic math includes understanding number values, basic arithmetic and move on to more advanced math.
The term mathematics was first used by Sir Geoffrey Crowther in 1959. Although it is more recent than literacy, it forms one of the most important parts of education. Numbering is a widely used and recognized term around the world. Some educators and institutions in America, however, also use the term quantitative literacy.
In its most basic form, the discipline is about understanding number systems. This means understanding the value of 1, 7 and 66. For example, the teacher tells the student that she has four apples and the student figures out how many there are. In the more advanced part of number systems are fractions and the use of decimal points or the replacement of numbers with symbols as found in algebra.
Basic arithmetic means being able to understand 1 + 1 = 2. It includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. More advanced calculations include squaring and square root numbers, arithmetic with fractions, and trigonometry.
Educational establishments believe that mathematics equals literacy in importance. In Britain, students applying to university require certain A-level grades to enter. General Certificate in Secondary Education (GCSE) results are usually not important, with two exceptions: English and Mathematics. In Japan, high school, college, and job exams always test Japanese and math with other electives.
A good level of computation offers many advantages to the individual. They are able to participate in more sectors of society and achieve higher levels of employment. Good math skills are essential for jobs in physics, engineering, architecture and accounting. These skills are also useful in everyday life, such as shopping and managing the family budget.
Douglas Hofstadter coined the term ‘innumerability’ to describe people who are numerically illiterate. Countlessness is less stigmatized than illiteracy, and some business leaders have even bragged about their poor math skills. Low levels of computing skills have been linked to poor news, business failures, poor risk assessment and lower job prospects.
These low skill levels can be attributed to poor teaching or laziness, but they can also be due to medical disadvantage. Dyscalculia is the numerical version of dyslexia. People with dyscalculia have a normal intelligence quotient (IQ), but struggle with numbers and basic math. A range of software programs and educational therapy techniques have been developed to help reduce the problem of dyscalculia. The reduction of stones due to brain damage is known as acalculia.
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