Tech Times for Math
Mathematics has moved on from the Chinese’ abacus to the modern world’s computer programming, but this does not really come as a surprise. We use math in our everyday lives, from counting change to managing a business. Math is also applied in our communication and networking systems as well.
The rapid development of technology means that the traditional definition of literacy as being able to read, write, and compute will also evolve.
We should now define literacy as being able to learn, comprehend and interact with technology effectively. Being able to integrate technology into the classroom is a must in this day and age.
How can learning math help technological contraptions like computer and its programs? What is the significance of mathematics in our computer-rich world?
Number systems
It all boils down to the numbers. When we tally, we use the unary number system (1). Ordinary people everywhere use the decimal system (0123456789). But for computers, it’s binary (01) or octal (01234567) or hexadecimal (09123456789ABCDEF).
Digital electronics like computers use the binary system; however, hexadecimal numbers portray binary numbers in a smaller form. Octal systems were used in the early days of computing.
Since computers understand a certain form of language (binary systems, for example), then math comes in to convert or translate computer speak to people speak (decimal system). Incidentally, the binary number 0b01001100 is actually 0 in decimal terms.
Languages
Another way for math to come into the picture is through programming languages.
C has been used extensively in most programming problems from operating systems to spreadsheets. It is called “middle level” programming language in that it is capable of accessing even the system’s lowest level functions.
It can be used for producing code in operating systems, language compilers, assemblers, text editors, print spoolers, network drivers, modern programs, databases, language interpreters and utilities. And developing a program using C requires at least four steps: editing the program, compiling, linking and executing it.
Another programming language is Java, a high-level programming language that cannot be run directly on any computer.
This is why it has to be translated into machine language first, using a compiler (to translate instructions into an executable machine-language program) or an interpreter (like the Java virtual machine).
Programming
There are actually two basic factors in programming: the data and the instructions. Data entails a comprehension of variables and types, while instructions need a certain understanding of control structures and subroutines.
Software engineers are concerned primarily with the construction of well-written programs that most computers need to perform a function. In the course of designing a program, mathematical concepts such as analysis and problem-solving always come up.
Computer programming is not an easy task, but there are simple programs all over the Internet geared towards making math an interactive learning experience, incorporating both technology and math for the goal teachers have had throughout all these years: to make the students learn.
Sources:
Eck., David. “Introduction to Programming using Java, fifth edition.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from http://math.hws.edu/javanotes/index.html
“Introduction to C Programming.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.le.ac.uk/cc/tutorials/c/
“Introduction to Math for computer programming.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
"http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Math_for_computer_programming"
Lam, Jamshed. “Technology in the Classroom.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/techinclass/
(Published 27 October 2008, Smart Communications, Inc.)
