Babylonian Word Problems

     The reading has gave me some valuable insight. When we think about the word "practicality", it reminds of math in high school because we barely focused on the theory. It was more of us focusing on the computational aspect and not really understanding why it works the way it does. Furthermore, Babylonians word problems focused more or less on the same topic and there weren't a lot of diversified problems. That being said, I do think our interpretations rely on our familiarity with contemporary algebra. Normally, we are given the formulas and expressions to already work with. Additionally, by knowing algebra, we can work out the problems much differently than ancient times when using formulas weren't of the norm. 

    My idea of "abstract" math is something that cannot be easily envisioned and solving without some understanding of the material. I have noticed modern problems today involves some semi-realistic problems that apply to the real world. However, by looking at the Babylonians word problems, I find it difficult to process what the question is asking and how I would need to proceed. I would assume that this is due to translation and the problems would be more relevant for that specific era. It was very much practical. My definition of "abstract" is how we can take something that we learned and link it to other ideas and subjects. 

   When entering university and majoring in Math, we are left with two notable choices: pure mathematics and applied mathematics. I noticed that while some courses are mandatory to take for both majors, it branches off into their respective field. Pure mathematics feels like analyzing a topic through the foundations of mathematical concepts and finding solutions to problems. Applied mathematics feels like taking what we already know from math and connecting to other subjects and the real world. 

    I do feel through the reading and my understanding, Babylonian word problems are far too practical. While I agree that it taught "practical skills and tested methods" (p.6), there were little to no correlation to everyday life. I wonder if the problems did connect to everyday life, would our way of approaching mathematics be different today? What I find important is not to solve problems, but understand the logic behind it. 

Reference

Gerofsky, Susan. A Man Left Albuquerque Heading East: Word Problems as Genre in Mathematics Education. Peter Lang     Publishing Incorporated, 2004.