Back to Basics of Mathematics

Ever since humans existed, there have been problems needed to be solved. Regardless of the level of need, humans constantly rely on math to solve those problems. Whether it is very basic like measuring food recipe, or major like designing a complex structure, mathematics is used to solve those problems.
People use math every day, whether they realize it or not. We count objects, add them, subtract from them, and sometimes divide them, utilizing basic, every day math skills. Homemakers, for instance, use math to balance spending against earnings, and calculate discounts and savings. Counting how many days before the weekends or holidays, how many stairs to climb, how many slices of pizza is your share, and so on, is a form of math solving procedure. Basically, most answers to: how much, how far, how many, when, how old and how often, will require some form of math skill to answer. So, whether we realize it or not, math is an integral part of our lives.
There are many people who detest mathematics and feel that it is their worst subject. The truth is that they already know the basics, but perhaps, were never properly taught how to build on the basics to learn more elaborate functionalities of math. If you know how to add and subtract, you should be able to learn how to multiply and divide. If you know how to slice a pizza, you shouldn't have a problem learning fractions. In addition, if you can multiply and divide, and are able to figure out how many pizza pies you need to feed a certain number of people, two or three slices each, algebra shouldn't be that big of a deal to learn. Almost anyone can become good in math, if they approach it properly. I think that the main barrier between many people and math is false perception--somehow convincing themselves that math is difficult and not applicable in real life. In many cases, this false perception is due to bad grade teacher, or ineffective schooling method, or both.
My perception of math is that it is a cumulative, relational subject--every process is built on the previous one and relates to it in some way. No matter how advance or complex the formula is, you must use all or some of the basic procedures (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division) to solve the problem. You need to master the basics and build on a strong foundation.
The Two Classes of Math
Mathematics falls into two main classes: theoretical or pure mathematics and applied mathematics.
Theoretical mathematics, according to Wikipedia, is is mathematics motivated entirely for reasons other than application. It is distinguished by its rigor, abstraction and beauty. It is the science of developing new principles and acquainting prior unidentified relationships between existing principles of mathematics.
Applied mathematics is branch of mathematics that concerns itself with the application of mathematical knowledge to other domains. Applications like, linear programming, operations research, statistics, probabilities and so on. Computers are often used to analyze relationships between different variables to solve complex, real life problems.
It is acknowledged that math significantly helps in developing reasoning and analytical skills. People who can reason and think analytically are known to better identify patterns, structure and regularity in real world situations.
Top careers that involve more than average skills in math include: Accounting, architecture, chemical engineering, biology, civil engineering, robotics, analytical engineering, and many more. To say the least, missing out on math, is actually discounting many potential, professional opportunities in life. 

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