Mathematics

Mathematics is most commonly known as the study of numbers. However, mathematics also looks at structures, space and change. There are many different views among mathematicians of the definition of mathematics due to the different applications in which it is used. Mathematicians look for patterns within numbers to create new theories and models to explain phenomena. These theories are used in many practical applications such as science, engineering and business. Mathematical models are used to examine real events because the reasoning provides a basis of future predictions about certain behaviors.

Mathematics is a constantly changing field. The first documented study of math was the realization that two apples and two oranges have something in common. There is also evidence of tallies found on bone from prehistoric time. This shows that people thousands of years ago has the ability to count physical objects. These people also may have been able to count time, days, seasons and years. This shows the ability to count abstract quantities. More complex mathematics was not shown to appear until 3000 BC. The Babylonians and Egyptians were found to start using arithmetic, algebra and geometry. At this time they only used mathematics for financial calculations, to build and construct and for astronomy. 

Mathematics is used in many practical applications. These applications can be found in natural science, engineering, medicine, finance and the social sciences. Applied mathematics is the study of mathematics which looks at the application of mathematical knowledge to other related fields mentioned above. This is often studies closely with engineering and its applications.