2006-06-20 20:07:23 · 7 answers · asked by ~hoyo~ 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The numbers 1, 2, etc are just symbols we give to a identify a quantity. As for mathematical equations these have been calculated in order to work something out, and then tested repeatedly. The rules are determined when, using the equation, the answer is always the same and/or predictable. This is what all scientific theories are. They are ways of measuring things, which are verifiable. They have no 'reality' outside our minds, because they are used to measure the world as we perceive it, but they do help us to make sense of the reality that we perceive.
2006-06-20 22:53:06 · answer #1 · answered by Shona L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The laws of mathematics were developed over the entire span of human history
The example above is arithmetic, and as you can find out for yourself can be derived from everyday expirience. The Greeks developed arithmetic and geometry. The Arabs invented algebra in the 9th century, and so on.....
2006-06-21 03:21:30 · answer #2 · answered by evil_tiger_lily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why is a spoon called a spoon? A spoon is an abstract object, as is a quantity of something, say one apple.
Math is wonderful, because the whole world agreed on what symbols mean, and numbers are just symbols representing something abstract.
Math should be the world religion.
2006-06-21 06:52:03 · answer #3 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm ...let's go by example here:
1 + 1 = ?
Take 1 stick and lay it on the floor
then add 1 stick to the right of that stick
if you add 1 stick to 1 stick you have how many sticks on the floor .....?
....that's right .....2 !!!!
Nobody needs to lay the rules for this. 1 + 1 = 2 :-)
2006-06-21 04:26:20 · answer #4 · answered by p.g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they're just symbols representing a logical outcome of an equation.
You could say 1 ~~ 1 @@ 2 if the whole world agreed that addition is ~~ and equality is @@
Hopefully I didn't misunderstand your question
2006-06-21 10:52:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are no 'rules' as you put it. the numbers are just an invention to measure quantity. one object plus another object equals one object plus another, which people have given the name two. the quantity always remains the same.
though i might have misunderstood your question...
2006-06-21 03:21:27 · answer #6 · answered by elbis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it just makes sense.
2006-06-21 03:23:39 · answer #7 · answered by gksj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋