Technology and Mathematics

 

Mathematics Technology

What is Mathematics Technology?

Mathematics and technology are two distinct but interconnected fields. In science, engineering, economics, and many other fields, mathematics is the study of numbers, quantities, forms, and patterns that is provides a fundamental framework for comprehending and resolving a wide range of issues. Contrarily, technology is the broad category of instruments, methods, and frameworks created to address real-world issues, boost productivity, and advance human potential.

There is a considerable literature on the relationship between technology and science, but as yet not much has been written on that between technology and mathematics. Nevertheless, they are closely connected in several ways. Modern technology would be unthinkable without mathematics. The relationship is reciprocal, since mathematics also needs technology. Today, mathematicians use computers not only for calculations, but also for numerous other tasks, including the search for proofs, validations, and counterexamples.

Mathematics Technology: Coding

The use of mathematics in technology.

Mathematics plays a crucial role in technology. Some of the most common applications of mathematics in IT include data compression, security, search engine optimization, and many more. Mathematics is essential for modern technology. it helps engineers, scientists, and programmers to create models, solve problems, and design products. Mathematics also enables digital processing, statistics, and research. Some examples of mathematics in technology are Boolean algebra for digital processing, mathematical models for bridges and structures, waveform codes for digital music, proofs, validations and counterexamples for mathematical research and etc.

Already in preliterate societies, many technological activities required mathematical thinking. A prime example is the concept of proportions. It is needed in cooking and in the production of various mixed materials such as glue, mortar, ceramics, glass, and not least alloys. For instance, several ancient civilizations were able to produce bronze with a remarkably optimized and constant composition, something they could hardly have achieved without mastering the arithmetic of proportionality (Malina 1983)

The use of technology in mathematics.

Technology can be used in mathematics for various purpose such as learning, teaching, solving problems, and exploring concepts. Some of the benefits of using technology in mathematics are, it can enhance the learning process and make concepts come alive through engaging and interactive media. Other benefits, it can develop mathematical thinking, reasoning and communication skills. It also can foster creativity, curiosity and collaboration among students. 

During most of this long development, with a steadily increased use of mathematics in technology, the converse relationship did not develop much. For many centuries, the use of technology in mathematics did not develop beyond the abacus. In the seventeenth century, several calculating machines using rotating wheels were presented. Wilhelm Schickard (1592–1635) was probably the first inventor to propose such a machine, and Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) the most famous ones (Lenzen 2018). However, due to technical problems, these machines remained rarities without much practical usage. Commercial production and widespread use of mechanical calculators only began in the second half of the nineteenth century (Swade 2011, 2018). 

Mathematics Technology: Formula

One of the viewpoints that is represented by Phillip Wilson (2018), who proposes that the existence of successful applications of mathematics in technology and elsewhere teaches us something about the nature of mathematics. There are four dominant traditions in the philosophy of mathematics: Platonism, logicism, formalism, and intuitionism. They have all mostly been discussed in relation to pure mathematics. By considering them from the perspective of the various applications of mathematics we can gain new insights on their ontological and epistemological implications. In Wilson’s view, such a broadened focus should help us to better understand the nature of mathematics.

I hope to have shown that technology and mathematics are interconnected in many ways, and that these interconnections cannot be adequately understood from studies of how each of them is connected with natural science (or science in general). There is a need for direct studies of the technology–mathematics relationship. Historical studies of that relationship have been sporadic, and we lack much of the information needed to write a coherent history of how the two have influenced each other in different phases of their development. -ZEZ