Maths GCSE? I mean, really, what is the point?

Question

Particularly if you are in a high set, Maths GCSE is a bit if not entirely pointless. I mean, I'm sat here combining algebraic fractions for homework - none of this has relevance to the real world. So, if it is so pointless, why is it so widely accepted? Why does no one question the fact it's compulsory - is it because if it wasn't compulsory no one would take it?

Answer 1

decimal?

Answer 2

Although GCSE maths can be boring (I hated it, and yet now I'm doing a maths degree!), it's only really the very, very beginning of real maths. Hence, you have to practise the techniques, like algebra, so that you're equipped when you need to use it in later mathematics. And in fact, mathematics is of relevance to the real world! I think it was Ian Stewart (a popular mathematics writer) who commented that if everything that relied on maths bore a "maths inside" sticker, then pretty much everything in our world would carry such a label!

Take the Internet for a simple example. This has become a real part of modern day living. The method of encrypting data when you buy or sell something on-line comes from maths- and in particular it relies on the fact that it is incredibly difficult to break large numbers down into their prime factors with the maths that is known at the moment. In fact, the problem that most mathematicians would want to see solved is called the Riemann hypothesis which is to do with prime numbers. If mathematicians can prove that this is true, then it's highly probably that they could use it to decrypt encrypted information on the Internet and hence Internet banking, buying and selling would no longer be safe!

That's quite a bit of relevance to the real world! But don't forget, maths is relevant in all sorts of other ways; it's incredibly important in the sciences. Indeed, you'll need to use maths if you're trying to work out your share of a bill in a restaurant, if you want to calculate the interest in your bank account,...the list really is endless!

Answer 3

And if you are any good at maths it is so easy to pass as well.....whereaas 'A' level maths is difficult and is often too hard a step up for someone who has nevertheless done reasonably well at GCSE level....

I disagree that Maths beyond the numbers stage has no relevance....everything around you will have been designed using such techniques and forumlae etc.......but I agree making it compulsory doesn't make a lot of sense....

But there again studying nowadays seems to be a bit of a joke anyway.......with them giving certificates away with Sunday newspapers....

Answer 4

It depends if you want your real world to be sweeping up in a factory (nothing wrong with that but it could be frustrating for a bright person).
Even Einstein's relativistic equations are useful in the real world (in satellite communications) and algebra is the basis of all science and it's technological applications.
I did a chemistry degree and although I don't spend my day boiling solvents away, the training it gave my brain means I have good powers of bullshitt detection.
This is useful when assesing politicians speeches and such like. I'm relying on people like you to get educated because I don't want idiots voting the wrong people into power and negatively effecting my life.

Answer 5

ok, you find the midpoint of the frequency, example: for: 0

Answer 6

What you are doing is called "Pure Mathematics", if you want to relate it to the real world then you need to look at "Applied Mathematics".

But Applied is more difficult than Pure so most people don't do Applied until A Level.

Some of the maths you do in Physics may be related to the real world.

Answer 7

I always thought exactly the same, it was pointless! Now though, I see how all the different equations and algebra is used and where it comes into play. Still can't work any of it out for the life of me though!

Answer 8

You are working in a framework defined by others. Do not waster your time discussing the framework, strive to benefit from within the system.Once you do well , you can turn back and comment on its futility. Not now. You are very young. By the time you realize your assumptions were wrong , it would be too late.
So poitless or pointed,take the exam and do well.

Answer 9

No point. Another good one is sin, cos and tan. What a waste of time that was! Can't say I've used that in the years since my Maths GCSE!!

Answer 10

Do any of you who find mathematics pointless watch CSI? How about the applications of trigonometry to blood spatter analysis? (Those useless "cos" thingies...) Those of us working in that field use maths all the time - and since every second young person I meet I desperate to become a forensic scientist....DO MATHS.

Answer 11

HEY, hw yu doing. What yu don't know is if yu don't know anything from GCSE that means yu know nothing. Yu cant just go to do Accounts or any coarse that needs some qualifications, if yu don't know wat maths means yu will get old doing industry work (which is bad) yu need to do something that yu will know that it is going to help yu in future. If yu are a Kid yu cant just turn 19 years like that yu need to turn 1 day,1 week, 1 months, 1 year up to 18 then yu will turn 19. I hope yu find that usefull. so hope yu will find any GCSE subject usefull. FINITO.