Math vs. English

[Lethal Lullaby]

Which is your favorite?
Which do you feel is more important?
(I tried to put all possible choices in the poll. :tanime: )
I like Math and I believe it is more important than English.

[Netkeeper]

Both are extremely important. [I lean towards English being more important, though; being able to communicate is better than being able to add numbers or count.]

I don't like math or numbers for obvious reasons. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyscalculia) But this also makes me realise how important it is. I like English because it was far easier for me to learn and is probably the only reason why I think I'm reasonably intelligent.

[ssjup81]

I think it depends. Outside of basic math (which you learn in elementary school anyway), I don't see it as important to use in everyday life. Seriously, I've never used Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, or Trig outside of the classroom. I also don't care for math because it's confusing outside of the normal stuff (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions). I use this math because it can be applied to stuff outside of a classroom. The other types of math really can't unless you're in a profession that requires you to know it.

Of course I feel that English is more important than math as I feel communicating efficiently should have higher precedence over that. I feel that way about languages in general. I feel that language is more important than math.

[Refractive Reflections]

They are both equally important because with English, it's needed to communicate between individuals. With math, it's the method to quantitatively measure, compare, and assess objects and any changes (using fractions, percentages for example) when using adjectives just don't suffice to describe the magnitude. For example:

"How much more money do you have now in the bank?"
"A lot!"
"How much exactly?"
"$30,000 more! It's four times the money I had before!"

In the first response, one doesn't know the magnitude because "a lot" is relative. After hearing the numerical change (using arithmetic and ratios), the impact of the magnitude is clearer because we now know it's four times more than what the individual had, which gives the impression of a more dramatic outcome with this amount of money than simply "a lot".

[BubblyShell22]

I think English is more important because being able to communicate is something you use all of the time. The only math that's important is basic math. Hell, I don't need Statistics for anything I want to do, yet I was still forced to take it. So screw math! I'll take English any day!

[pandaderek]

Some of you are missing the significance of learning higher math. It's not, just, for understanding or developing complex algorithms, but, it's because your brain is a muscle. Muscles need to be challenged in order to grow.

But, I will say, that they need a diversity of ways to challenge your brain. For me, it was philosophy. Logic and reasoning has challenged my brain and kept my interest far more than my two years learning calculus.

[Wingnut]

Interesting topic, I've always felt both are of equal importance.

I have a cousin in residency at the moment and while she definitely has the gift of gab, I can't tell you how many stories she's told me about diagnostic mysteries that could've been solved by two doctors simply speaking with one another. The short of it, most doctors have horrible interpersonal/communication skills. Aside from tediousness, I guess there's a reason they hire people to write dictations.

On the flip side, even if you are a good writer/communicator/BS'er whatever, there are many instances (personal finance, business, etc.) where a lack of mathematical skill can bite you in the ass. Believe me, I've personally lived out this scenario :lol:

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I hate Maths. The single worst subject ever. English is okay.

[Mzx10484]

I like both because both enable me to deal with the things of alldays life !! And I like that. Of course, the academic level of mathematics is not my case. But the one before.

[Prowler]

First of all, English isn't my native language, so obviously the English classes I've had back in my school days were different from yours. But I do can tell you that someone who lives in a small country like mine will be quite disadvantaged if they don't speak English at all.

But if we're talking about language and literacy as a whole, then obviously not knowing how to read or communicate properly will get you nowhere. That's needless to say.

Math is important too. Unfortunately, I suck at it. And that makes it hard for me to work in many fields. That being said, you don't need to be a master at ultra advanced math or physics to survive.

[ssjup81]

Some of you are missing the significance of learning higher math. It's not, just, for understanding or developing complex algorithms, but, it's because your brain is a muscle. Muscles need to be challenged in order to grow.But what good are higher level math subjects if you can't apply it to an everyday situation to keep the skill strong? Outside of basic math, there's just no need for higher level math, unless you genuinely have an interest in it or if you want to get into a profession where it's necessary to study it.But, I will say, that they need a diversity of ways to challenge your brain. For me, it was philosophy. Logic and reasoning has challenged my brain and kept my interest far more than my two years learning calculus.English can help with this as well as subjects like Philosophy. These subjects can help one form critical thinking skills because topics can be discussed. There'll always be a grey area. Math is too black & white and absolute.

I've never used Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Trigonometry, or Statistics outside of a classroom setting, which means it was easily forgotten by me. If you don't use it, you lose it.

[Lethal Lullaby]

Well I found these. :3

Math (http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/9467/it-all-adds-up-10-reasons-why-math-is-important)
English (http://www.5minuteenglish.com/why-learn-english.htm)

Hmm. Both links provide some good points, and I can't decide which is better. I guess it depends on what you wanna do in life. So whoever says they're both essential are most likely right.

[Candy Kappa]

Math is hard, let's go shopping.

No, really. Never liked math. Probably because when we jumped from 3rd grade to 5th grade due law change and younger children to enter school. we where basically told by our teacher's that 5th grade Math should be completely reasonable to learn with going through 4th grade material. Never got any help with math until 10th grade, which was not very helpful anyway, cause the teacher sucked big time.

Things got better after that thanks to a great teacher who actually helped their students.

[BubblyShell22]

Some of you are missing the significance of learning higher math. It's not, just, for understanding or developing complex algorithms, but, it's because your brain is a muscle. Muscles need to be challenged in order to grow.

But, I will say, that they need a diversity of ways to challenge your brain. For me, it was philosophy. Logic and reasoning has challenged my brain and kept my interest far more than my two years learning calculus.

Well, I have a learning disability in math, so my brain won't work with that. I've always had problems with it and always will because it takes me longer to learn it than other people, which is why I hate it. As for philosophy, I took that class and hated it, too. My philosophy is simple: If it doesn't interest me, I don't give a sh*t.

[Netkeeper]

Well, I have a learning disability in math, so my brain won't work with that. I've always had problems with it and always will because it takes me longer to learn it than other people, which is why I hate it. As for philosophy, I took that class and hated it, too. My philosophy is simple: If it doesn't interest me, I don't give a sh*t.
Oh, you too? I've never met anybody else with the same learning disability!

[TurtleTitan97]

I like English more than math. But Math is pretty important in the world today.

[Cure]

I like English but Math is more important. Math is universal, English is not.

[Davetello]

This is misleading - English is just one language and is only the leading world language due to the British Empire spreading its ideals in its imperial past. Math is much more important than "English", but if we are talking "language" in general they are equally important, for many of the reasons stated above.

Maths is an extremely interesting subject, by the way.

[ssjup81]

I like English more than math. But Math is pretty important in the world today.Don't tell the people here that. I'll be out of a job. :P

[Davetello]

Statistics especially is one of the most important things in the world. Quantitative data and the ability to identify patterns and correlations is something which is integral to the world as we know it. The world would be lost without it.

[ssjup81]

Statistics especially is one of the most important things in the world. Quantitative data and the ability to identify patterns and correlations is something which is integral to the world as we know it. The world would be lost without it.But, once again, this is something that an average person wouldn't probably use. Those in professions that use it, sure.

Higher level math is important, for professions and jobs that require it. For the average person, it really isn't. I've never used statistics outside of the classroom. I've never used Trig or Calc outside of the classroom. I've never used Algebra, Algebra II, or Geometry outside of the classroom. I've used business math more than this stuff because I could apply it outside of the classroom for something as simple as calculating sales tax percentages on purchases.

The only math I use on a daily, everyday basis is the math that's taught in elementary school.

[Davetello]

But, once again, this is something that an average person wouldn't probably use. Those in professions that use it, sure.

Higher level math is important, for professions and jobs that require it. For the average person, it really isn't. I've never used statistics outside of the classroom. I've never used Trig or Calc outside of the classroom. I've never used Algebra, Algebra II, or Geometry outside of the classroom. I've used business math more than this stuff because I could apply it outside of the classroom for something as simple as calculating sales tax percentages on purchases.

The only math I use on a daily, everyday basis is the math that's taught in elementary school.

We said the same at school - "when are we ever gonna need to use Pythagoras's Theorem?" etc. But the point isn't about what the average person does, it's that the world would come to a standstill without statistics. The same is true of language, of course.

[ssjup81]

We said the same at school - "when are we ever gonna need to use Pythagoras's Theorem?" etc. But the point isn't about what the average person does, it's that the world would come to a standstill without statistics. The same is true of language, of course.That's how I measure whether something is useful or not...if the average person can use it in everyday situations to keep the skill strong. Language in general is used every single solitary day in some way or form. High-level math, isn't. That's why I find language more important than math (but only the high-level ones because it can't be applied to everyday situations). If you say math overall, then yeah it is important. This is why I said in my original post, that it depends on the type of math, for the most part.

[Davetello]

That's how I measure whether something is useful or not...if the average person can use it in everyday situations to keep the skill strong. Language in general is used every single solitary day in some way or form. High-level math, isn't. That's why I find language more important than math (but only the high-level ones because it can't be applied to everyday situations). If you say math overall, then yeah it is important. This is why I said in my original post, that it depends on the type of math, for the most part.

I don't, for me the macro level is paramount. The collective is more important than the individual.

[Prowler]

This is misleading - English is just one language and is only the leading world language due to the British Empire spreading its ideals in its imperial past. Math is much more important than "English", but if we are talking "language" in general they are equally important, for many of the reasons stated above.

Maths is an extremely interesting subject, by the way.
It should be "Language vs. Math" instead, yea.

[Davetello]

It should be "Language vs. Math" instead, yea.

Western hegemony and cultural imperialism :roll: :)

[Prowler]

Western hegemony and cultural imperialism :roll: :)
Not sure what that has to do with what I've said. Sure, English is an Indo-European language from a Western nation and also the lingua franca of the world, but then you have languages like Mandarin and Arabic which both are way more useful to learn and have way more native speakers than most European languages do.

[Davetello]

Not sure what that has to do with what I've said. Sure, English is an Indo-European language from a Western nation and also the lingua franca of the world, but then you have languages like Mandarin and Arabic which both are way more useful to learn and have way more native speakers than most European languages do.

You shouldn't take everything I say at face value.

[Prowler]

You shouldn't take everything I say at face value.
Ah a joke that went over my head. I guess the ":)" should have cleared me in on that.

[Davetello]

Ah a joke that went over my head. I guess the ":)" should have cleared me in on that.

I joke a lot - to be fair it's not always apparent, with it being the internet. Don't worry about it.

[TurtleTitan97]

Don't tell the people here that. I'll be out of a job. :P

My lips are sealed. :twink:

[BubblyShell22]

Oh, you too? I've never met anybody else with the same learning disability!

Yep, me, too. I don't let it get me down though because I am good in English and that's all I care about. I don't really need a lot of math anyway, and I want to tutor people in English because that's my strong point.



Statistics especially is one of the most important things in the world. Quantitative data and the ability to identify patterns and correlations is something which is integral to the world as we know it. The world would be lost without it.

Maybe it is for people who use it, but I don't need it, so why should I care? I don't.

[PangolinFeets]

This is such a hilariously big question. The way I'm hearing it, which one is more important to humankind?
Math.
Definitively.
Without question.
Math is the reason the structure of the universe holds together. Without it, there would be no laws for anything to follow. Particles could be whatever size they want, move at whatever speed they want, and cause whatever problems that would cause. Forces in general could just not work for the hell of it. And that's without going into the importance of math applied to he human body or Biology period. The reason all of our body cells are the same size and structure is because of math. For interesting info, look into the Fibonacci Sequence, Pi, and the Golden number/ratio/etc (A lot of those are synonyms).

Ah, here's a cool example!
http://blog.ted.com/2014/04/16/a-bilingual-ted-ed-club/



As someone who studied cognitive science and communications, I can attest that language holds its own level of importance.

But you cannot be alive without math...or have a universe or plants of anything. Lol (And I love math).


If the question is what do I like more, its still math, but language is not far behind. Statistics is my career.

[LadyTMNT]

Totally went for English cause Math is my worst subject & I hate it...