Math is Good

Math isn’t most people’s definition of fun. Perhaps they even think of it as tedious or frustrating. But for me, that’s not the case.

All areas of study can be frustrating, but the right mindset can make any experience a fulfilling one. When I approach a new form of mathematics, I try to have an open mind and focus on the bigger picture. It’s fun to challenge myself with new problems and ways to use math. While engaging in projects that stretch our minds, there’s often more lurking beneath the surface, and that is when we can see a clearer picture of creation.

I study mathematics and physics at Dordt University, and one of the aspects I appreciate most about Dordt’s mathematics professors is that they help students see the beauty of mathematics. I suspect (though I could be mistaken) that this is because my professors want us to see math as something more than a computational tool, and hopefully, have a better understanding for why they love math.

It’s normal for people to have their own interests and dislikes, but it’s all too easy to dismiss the things we may not fully understand. As Christians, we need to remember that, in the beginning, every part of creation was made good. Mathematics is an intrinsic part of creation. Even though we might not be thinking of that “good” when sitting in front of a math exam, it’s still there.

One reason math may feel frustrating is that it’s often abstract, hiding its full potential and meaning. For example, I spent most of this past summer studying mathematics and how we can use it for games. I worked with an abstract version of graphs to recognize patterns while playing a game with my research partner. Understanding the game’s structure and rules was key to developing real strategies. Much of my time was spent writing a program to play the game and explore various winning moves. After analyzing these moves, I could pinpoint a winning strategy for that specific game. This process was long and tiring, but by the end, I felt a great sense of accomplishment in what I had achieved.

There were moments of frustration, but the thrill that comes with a new and complete understanding of something is worth it.

Even something as everyday as the sunset presents multiple ways of seeing the universe. We could study the composition of the atmosphere to see if the kinds of molecules affect what colors shine through. Or we could study the angle of the incoming light to see if that makes a difference in how we view the sunset. Can cloud cover or the presence of mountains affect the way we see the light? Maybe the humidity of the air changes things, too. There are endless ways we can explore creation, each revealing something wonderfully distinct.

Not everyone needs to be passionate about physics and math. In fact, God made us individuals, and that’s beautiful, too. However, I think it’s valuable for each of us to acknowledge and try to understand the interests of others. A better understanding of any subject allows us to see where each of us fits into the world, and that is the start of something truly beautiful.