Expert: Josh - 10/22/2007

Question
how math was introduced?

Answer
This question is way too deep. No simple answer can do it justice. Like any branch of science, knowledge is accumulated through important pieces of discovery, critical thinking and learned tradition. Mathematics is a scientific way for making sense of reality and everyday things that humans observe. If my memory serves me right, I think a great mathematician from the sub-continent once claimed that many of his proofs were inspired from dreams or metaphysical channels through meditation. What everyone learns in school lays a foundation which enables us to pursue further study and appreciate more complex ideas, layer by layer. The basic elements such as number systems and axioms which govern algebra are simple, yet profound.

Many engineering feats would not be possible without a mastery of maths and physics. For instance, when a space shuttle re-enters the Earth, many physical parameters must be computed and controlled precisely to avoid combustion. Maths also arises in practical problems. For instance, given a certain amount of material, how can we utilize it in the most efficient way. Calculus deals with that. Then, for people who work in finance, statistical/stochastic analysis (a branch of mathematics) provides useful tools for predicting market behavior.

All in all, there is no easy way to answer your question. It would be fair to say that maths is introduced through discovery, critical thinking and learned traditions.