The Subject I Like Most

The subject I like most is mathematics which embraces geometry and algebra as well as arithmetic, and now that I have started advanced work, calculus and trigonometry are included as well.

There are three reasons why I like this subject most. The first one, that the master is patient, likable, and thoroughly able, may not seem significant to adults, but to the young learners, is an important factor. Throughout my school life Mr. Lee, my teacher has shown patience and clarity of mind. Areas, cubes, Lowest Common Denominations, and Highest Common Factors were all explained and explained again if need be until even the slowest understood. The intricacies of Algebra from the simplest example: if 3x = 9, then x=3 right up to the most complicated quadratic equations, were all made simple and stimulating, as he stood before the blackboard with his chalk clearly defining the figures and symbols. The problems of geometry were equally clarified with his neat circles, isosceles and equilateral triangles drawn on the blackboard. And now as I study the advanced course under his experienced guidance, sines, cosines, and velocities present no difficulties or mysteries.

The second reason for liking mathematics is that I believe, it will be a most useful subject for me after I leave school. A knowledge of mathematics is required for all advanced courses in technology, engineering, and scientific research. Many departments of industry, rely to a certain extent on the mathematician and his experience. So, if I can qualify and obtain a good degree in this subject, the choice of jobs afterward will be varied indeed.

Finally, for the real lover of mathematics, there is satisfaction and a reward in the mere solving of a problem. To someone who hates it and is bewildered by this subject, this is hard to explain, but those who really love figures will understand. There is an impersonal triumph and pride which never varies in a mathematician’s heart, whether he has just discovered the simplest value of the unknown quantity x or the area of an uncomplicated triangle or whether he is unraveling the mysteries of determinants and exponential functions. For the lover of mathematics, it is the infinite satisfaction of adding two and two and making four.