Sometimes It's Hard To Relate Math To Real-Life Situations

Sometimes Its Hard To Relate Math To Real Life Situations And That Ca

Sometimes its hard to relate math to real life situations and that can make math seem intimidating in a classroom setting. However, we use math in daily life more than we probably realize. This video that I watched talks about using math (polynomials) to lose weight. It talks about how: net calorie=calories from eating and drinking- calories burned from your body, so positive net calories=weight gain, negative net calories= weight loss. So basically this video talks about how to write in math form a weightloss plan and to see if these specific examples are going to make someone gain weight/loose weight/or stay the same. so if you use the example of Net calorie=calorie intake-(BMR x Activity level) if for example Joe has a low activity level of 1.2, but eats 3600 calories per day and based off weight his BMR is 1973 then the equation would look like: Net Calories= 3600-(1973 x 1.2) =1232.4 calories. So for this particular person they would have weight gain. This video was easy to understand and explained how to use polynomials in real life situations.

Paper For Above instruction

Mathematics often appears abstract and disconnected from everyday experiences, which can lead to apprehension or disengagement among students. However, as exemplified by a recent instructional video on applying polynomials to weight management, math has practical and relatable applications in daily life. Understanding such applications can bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world relevance, enhancing both comprehension and motivation.

One fundamental concept discussed in the video is the calculation of net calories—an essential factor in determining weight change. Net calorie calculation involves subtracting calories burned from calories consumed, which can be expressed mathematically as:

Net Calories = Calorie Intake - Calories Burned

This formula helps illustrate how positive net calories lead to weight gain, while negative net calories promote weight loss. The video further refines this model by incorporating variables such as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and activity level, resulting in an equation used by researchers and individuals alike to plan diets and exercise routines:

Net Calories = Calorie Intake - (BMR x Activity Level)

To exemplify this application, the presenter discusses a hypothetical individual, Joe, who has a BMR of 1973 calories and a low activity level of 1.2. If Joe consumes 3600 calories daily, his net caloric surplus can be calculated as follows:

Net Calories = 3600 - (1973 x 1.2) = 3600 - 2367.6 = 1232.4 calories

This positive value indicates that Joe is consuming more calories than he burns, leading to weight gain over time. Conversely, if Joe aimed to lose weight, he would need to decrease his caloric intake or increase his activity level to produce a negative net calorie balance.

This example demonstrates how a basic polynomial expression can be utilized to accurately predict physiological outcomes, making complex mathematical concepts relevant and tangible. The video effectively shows that polynomials are not merely academic abstractions but tools that can model diverse real-life phenomena, including health and wellness.

In addition to weight management, polynomial functions are widely applicable across various domains such as economics, engineering, and biology, highlighting their importance beyond classroom learning. For instance, in economics, quadratic functions predict profit or loss; in engineering, polynomial equations describe physical systems; and in biology, they model population dynamics. Recognizing these applications encourages students to see mathematics as a practical language for describing and solving real-world problems.

The integration of mathematical concepts with everyday activities also aids in developing critical thinking skills. By employing mathematics to answer questions like "How many calories should I consume or burn to maintain my weight?" students learn to formulate and analyze real-life problems systematically. This promotes a growth mindset, where learners understand that mathematics is accessible and useful if approached with the right perspective.

A key reason why many students find math intimidating is the disconnect between what they learn in class and its relevance outside academic contexts. The weight management example using polynomials exemplifies how connecting mathematical theories to personal health and lifestyle can enhance engagement. Teachers and educators should emphasize such practical applications regularly to strengthen students' motivation and confidence in using mathematics.

Furthermore, integrating technology such as graphing calculators or computer software enhances understanding by visualizing polynomial functions and their behavior. For instance, graphing the calorie intake versus net calories can illustrate how increasing activity levels influence weight loss. Visual representations of equations make abstract concepts more concrete, fostering intuitive understanding and supporting diverse learning styles.

Despite the benefits, applying mathematics to real-life situations requires understanding the underlying assumptions and limitations. Variability in individual metabolic rates, inaccuracies in estimating activity levels, and other physiological factors mean that models like the net calorie equation are simplified representations. Educating students about these complexities enables more nuanced and responsible application of mathematical models in health management.

In conclusion, the application of polynomials and other mathematical tools to everyday life, such as weight management, underscores the practicality and relevance of mathematics. By framing abstract concepts within familiar contexts, educators can demystify math, demonstrate its utility, and inspire students to view mathematics as an essential skill for everyday problem-solving. Future curricula should therefore capitalize on such real-life examples to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematical disciplines.

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