Management

Background of the Study

Introduction

According to St. Augustine, the danger already exists that the mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of Hell.

Mathematics is an art, language, or a body of knowledge that specify to numbers and logical structures. It is used in our daily living. For example, at work, school, and home or even in many simple things we do. This is very important but do we notice that many people hate Math especially to the students who lack of knowledge in Mathematics.

According to J. R. Newman, the most painful thing about Mathematics is how far away you are from being able to use it after you have learned it.

Many students think that they are not involved in Mathematics-based jobs. For them, basic mathematical rules are enough to live. Some people can graduate from college without even taking a basic Math class. They agreed that one cannot use it in their entire life.

According to Francis Bacon, in Mathematics, he can report no deficiencies, except it be that men do not sufficiently understand the use of Mathematics.

One can wisely doubt whether the study of Mathematics is worthwhile and can find good authority to support him. But if just think of it, there is nothing to worry about. A little bit of curiosity and patience is needed to be able to understand it. Like some scientists, inventors, engineers, etc. has this value. For example, Leonardo da Vinci, an artist, inventor and a scientist, he uses his blueprints about weapons for war. The pyramids of Egypt, the engineers of that structure use Mathematics to have a perfect geometric figure. Although it is not easy to have an engineer or an inventor at that time because of having no informal education, they have persistent to continue their work (Kline, 1967).

There are many causes why many students hate Mathematics, but some of it comes from the nature of Mathematics itself. Math, more than any other subject,...