5 Interesting Facts about Math

Math! That one subject that seems to trouble so many of us. A math quiz, exam or even the regular class often seems like an uphill task. We are told to practice to excel in it. But how do we practice it when we dislike or fear it? However, often we have notions of things or people without knowing something positive about them, or in other words, knowing something interesting about a topic adds to our interest or curiosity. Ever wondered if Math would have any interesting facts of its own to boast of? Well, to begin with let’s look into 5 interesting facts about Math.

1. 7 and human culture: The number 7 has deep roots in human culture since time immemorial, how you ask? Seven Wonders of the World, seven days in a week, seven colours in the rainbow, seven deadly sins, sounds familiar?

2. 0 is the only number that can’t be represented in Roman numerals: The number 0 itself is an interesting character in the number system. It’s neither positive nor negative, yet it adds to the number value. But did you also know that it is the only number that can’t be represented in Roman numerals!

3. The equals sign (=) was invented in 1557: Do you ever wonder who invented numbers or mathematical symbols? Take for example the “=” sign that we love using, it was invented by a Welsh mathematician named Robert Recorde in 1557. Imagine math without the “=” sign, looks unimaginable, doesn’t it?

4. The number 4 is considered unlucky in much of Asia: In Asian languages, particularly Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean, the number “four” is pronounced in a similar manner and sounds the same as the words for death in those languages.

5. Is there a number value more than billion? When someone uses the word billion in describing a number or any amount, it appears to be really big, but what if the number is more than a billion? Ever heard of Trillion, Quadrillion, Quintillion, Sextillion, Septillion, Octillion, Nonillion, Decillion and Undecillion?

Maths is not only an important subject but also an interesting one. It has been there since humans existed. It is associated with almost everything we do and all of the times. Let’s learn to enjoy it and love it!

Whether you are Maths-o-phobic or a Maths lover, the Young World Club can make you love numbers be it through puzzles, art or music! .