WHAT IS
MATHEMATICS?
Chapter 1.1
Essential Mathematics for
the Modern World
DEFINING MATHEMATICS
“Mathematics is the alphabet
with which God has written
the universe.”
–Galileo Galilei
(Astronomer, Physicist, Mathematician,
Engineer, Philosopher)
DEFINING MATHEMATICS
“Math is the language of the
universe.”
–Neil deGrasse Tyson
(Astrophysicist)
DEFINING MATHEMATICS
“Without mathematics, there’s
nothing you can do. Everything
around you is mathematics.
Everything around you is
numbers.”
–Shakuntala Devi
(Writer, Human Calculator)
DEFINING MATHEMATICS
“One of the most amazing things
about mathematics is the people
who do math aren’t interested in
application, because
mathematics itself is truly a
beautiful art form.”
–Danica McKellar
(Actress, Mathematics writer)
DEFINING MATHEMATICS
Math is a process of thinking.
Math is a set of problem-solving tools.
Math is a study of patterns.
Math is a language.
Math is an art.
MATHEMATICS:
A STUDY OF
PATTERNS
