The document discusses three types of "math people": math believers, math machines, and mathematicians. Math believers accept mathematical concepts without fully understanding them. Math machines can solve standard problems but struggle with non-standard problems or interpreting solutions. Mathematicians understand concepts and see relationships between ideas; they can solve problems and apply mathematical thinking innovatively. The conclusion encourages the reader to strive to be a mathematician rather than just a believer or calculator.

1. Three types of
math people
by
Nalaka Gamage
Aurora Computer Studies
(auoracs.lk)
Aurora Computer Studies 1

2. Types of people
• Math believers
• Math machines
• Mathematicians
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3. Math believers
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4. Math believers – who?
• They believe in mathematical
concepts just like a religion
• They proud of what they can not
understand
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5. Math believers – how to identify?
• Some simple questions to check (all
these are ordinary level concepts);
o What is logarithms?
o Can you explain why X0 is considered 1
o Can you prove/justify that use of trigonometry
(sin , cos and tan) concepts are valid ?
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6. Math machines (robots)
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7. Math machines – who?
• They solve mathematical problems
like a pre programmed machine
• In the school they were programmed
to solve various types of problems and
they just follow it
• Do not think about the concepts, their
validity, use of outcome etc seriously.
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8. Math machines – how to identify?
• Given a standard mathematical
problem, they will work it vigorously
• But, if they are given a different
problem they struggle
• If they are asked to solve a practical
problem or ask to interpret practical
usages, they struggle
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9. Mathematicians
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10. Mathematicians – who?
• They understand the mathematical
concepts rather than believe
• They see the big picture and relatedness
of different concepts
• They can interpret the meaning and
practical use of the solution
• They can use mathematical concepts to
solve problems and do innovative things
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11. Mathematicians – how to identify?
• If ask to explain a concept and they
will explain it briefly in simple terms
• They, will always explain the strategy-
>tactic of how they got the solution
and possible interpretations and
practical usages
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12. Conclusion
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13. “Try to be a mathematician and
not mere a math believer or
calculator. “
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14. You may also like following
• A simple guide to math
• Introduction to critical thinking
• Science, philosophy, religions and
myths
Aurora Computer Studies (auroracs.lk) 14

15. Thank You !
Presented by
Nalaka Gamage
Aurora Computer Studies
(auoracs.lk)
15

16. "We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act,
but a habit."
~ Aristotle
Aurora Computer Studies (auroracs.lk) 16

17. Premier Study Center
Aurora Computer Studies,
Summerset College,
# 135, 3rd Floor,
DFCC Building,
High Level Road,
Maharagama.
City Study Center
Aurora Computer Studies,
Summerset College,
# 88/2, 2nd Floor,
BOC Building,
High Level Road,
Kirulapone, Colombo 06
Details and enquiries :
Call - 0719 842030
E-mail – info@auroracs.lk
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