Mathematics
Most high school students study several types of mathematics. In college, they complete additional math courses, some of which prepare them to study even more kinds of mathematics. You may
think of math as one subject; in fact, there are many types of mathematics. This report describes seven
kinds.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic is the first branch of mathematics that you studied in elementary and middle school.
It deals with the study of numbers and the use of the four fundamental processes:
 Addition
 Subtraction
 Multiplication
 Division
Arithmetic is everyday math. You use it daily in your personal affairs, and arithmetic is the basis
for most other branches of mathematics.
Algebra
Algebra is used widely to solve problems in business, industry, and science by using symbols,
such as x and y, to represent unknown values (Algebra). The power of algebra is that it enables us to
create, write, and rewrite problem-solving formulas. Without algebra, we would not have many of the
items we use on a daily basis: television, radio, telephone, microwave oven, etc.
Geometry
Geometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with shapes. More specifically, geometry is
the study of relations, properties, and measurements of solids, surfaces, lines, and angles (Geometry). It
is most useful in building or measuring things. Architects, astronomers, construction engineers, navigators, and surveyors are just a few professionals who rely on geometry.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is mathematics that deals with triangular measurements. Plane trigonometry computes the relationships between the sides of triangles on level surfaces called planes. Spherical trigonometry studies the triangles on the surface of a sphere.
Calculus
Calculus is high-level mathematics dealing with rates of change (Calculus). It has many practical applications in engineering, physics, and other branches of science. Using calculus, we understand
and explain how water flows, the sun shines, the wind blows, and the planets cycle through the heavens.
Differential calculus determines the rate at which an object's speed changes. Integral calculus determines the object's speed when the rate of change is known.
Probability
Probability is the study of the likelihood of an event's occurrence. It is useful in predicting the
outcomes of future events. Probability originated from the study of games of chance. It is now used for
other purposes, including to (1) control the flow of traffic through a highway system; (2) predict the
number of accidents people of various ages will have; (3) estimate the spread of rumors; (4) predict the
outcome of elections; and (5) predict the rate of return in risky investments.
Statistics
Statistics is the branch of mathematics that helps mathematicians organize and find meaning in
data.
Anyone who listens to the radio, watches television, and reads books, newspapers, and magazines cannot help but be aware of statistics, which is the science of collecting, analyzing, presenting and interpret-
ing data. Statistics appear in the claims of advertisers, . . . in cost-of-living indexes, and in reports of
business trends and cycles. (Statistics)
Works Cited
“Algebra.” Encylopaedia Britannica. 2003. Encylopaedia Britannica Online.
http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=120643 (accessed October 14, 2003).
“Calculus.” Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2003. Encylopaedia Britannica Online.
http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=295242 (accessed October 14, 2003).
“Geometry.” Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2003. Encylopaedia Britannica Online.
http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=296426 (accessed October 14, 2003).
“Statistics.” Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2003. Encylopaedia Britannica Online.
http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=299352 (accessed October 14, 2003).