Cantr II Discussion Forum

In its purest form, mathematics is purely logical, but the way most people learn it, a large amount of rote memorization is involved. Not to say that people with good logical reasoning skills don't do well in math.
I personally don't think IQ tests mean much. I took the Emode test a while back but don't remember what I got.

Yes, 'tis a shame. Memorization is a fairly poor way to learn math, but I suppose it's the most effective way to teach it to large groups with varying logical reasoning skills.

I've never taken an IQ test....

I remember taking timed quizzes on my multiplication tables in 3rd grade. We memorized 2x2=4 and such all the way up to 12x12. You have to admit there is no better way for a little one to learn math facts liek that than pure memorization (with a background of understanding why).

I know why 134x72=9648, but if I did not memorize it or work it out, I wouldn't be able to tell it to you off the top of my head using logic.

In order to work it out, I need to know 2x4=8. Do I know that because it has been drilled in my head or I can logically derive the answer?

I remember those timed tests...I hated those. I used to blank on the answers just because of the ticking of the timer in the background--it was so annoying. When I was younger, I used to know all my multiplication tables but I forgot them. I mean, if I think about it I can get it, but it doesn't come off the tip of my tongue like it used to.

But then again, the same thing happened with left and rights....

If you know the definition of "multiplication" you can easily show that 2x4=8. 2 added to itself 4 times is 8.

Now you've lost me.

I was lost when they got started on maths, I got a B in my math GCSE....somehow. And I don't particularly want to have much to do with it again.

A clarification of my earlier reply to Bowser's question:
If you accept the definition of "multiplication" as
"The process of repeating, or adding to itself, any given number or quantity a certain number of times" (Webster's Unabridged)
then to find what 2x4 is, you just add 2 to itself 4 times. This is 2+2+2+2, which equals 8.

you also need the definition of whole numbers along with their order, but yeah, Sho's right.

Math is a proccess, it has little to nothing to do with numbers.

The problem with maths is: they're numbers... Dry, dusty, boring numbers. I usually loose track whenever doing a calculation. "What the hell was I doing it for"? Too abstract.
But then physics, i was quite good at that, while physics is juat applied maths. When I know what the numbers stand for somehow it's easier. Especially when money is involved, maths is a lot easier.
No numbers... just money... Money is not a number, it's (a) value. which makes it interesting.

Those of us with businesses in Cantr really have to use math. I know that with one of my characters who owns a company, I have to make extensive formulas on the price of iron per gram, the price of certain things, profit ratios, et cetera. And I get a 50% in math....