For years, I have maintained that I am not very good at math. I cannot do matrices without specific, detailed instructions for every single problem. I sometimes transpose digits. Geometry and trigonometry I can do. I think because there are pictures.
Anyway, I just found this interesting article on the New York Times website, about two main different types of math: approximation, and calculation. Approximation is what you use when you glance up and down the check-out lines at the store and decide which one to join. Calculation is how you figure out exact math.
This article reminded me a lot about some of the posts on Clark's blog, approximating how many balloons it will take to fill the room, etc.
Along with the article, they have a test you can try to see how good your approximating skills are. I got 100% on 25 tests, so I am a good guesser! I think a calculation test would yield far different results. (See: academic decathlon math test)
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Well, you're apparently better at math than I am! I got 84% on 25 tests. I felt that the yellow spots were brighter than the blue. 5 of my 6 misses were from over estimating the number of yellow spots as my eye was drawn to them.
ReplyDeleteI think my balloon post still falls in the realm of calculation, not approximation. I approximated key values, and then calculated a result. When the calculation was too difficult, I made a known, chosen, controlled adjustment to the numbers to achieve an easier result. But it was still very number based. But I suppose the neuroscientists and sociologists know more about math than I do. ;)
I think in many cases the yellow spots were larger, but the blue dots were more numerous. So maybe there was more yellow area, but fewer dots.
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