MTE1501
Assignment 03
Unique Code: 213891
Due Date: 18 July 2023
PLEASE DO NOT PLAGIARISE!
THIS PACK CONTAINS ANSWERS TO ASSIGNMENT 3.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS ALSO BASED ON YOUR OWN OPINION, THEREFOR
USE THIS AS A GUIDELINE ONLY
, Assignment 3: Questions
3.1 LU1: Mathematics in Society
Read section 1.3: Defining Mathematics – in your study guide and provide the
differences between the three views used to outline the mathematics consideration.
The consideration of mathematics can be outlined through three perspectives:
1. The Utilitarian View
This perspective regards mathematics as a practical tool that enables the solving of real-
world problems and the attainment of tangible objectives. It encompasses tasks like
computing distances, quantifying measurements, comprehending financial matters,
engineering, and designing machinery. According to this viewpoint, mathematics derives its
value from its capacity to address practical challenges across different disciplines and
domains, including physics, engineering, finance, and business.
2. The Aesthetic View
In this perspective, mathematics is regarded as a captivating and refined discipline
deserving of admiration for its innate aesthetics, harmony, and simplicity. Those who uphold
this viewpoint as mathematicians are motivated by a profound curiosity to delve into the
beauty of mathematics purely for its intrinsic value, independent of any practical or utilitarian
considerations. According to this stance, mathematics is seen as an artistic endeavour that
not only possesses visual appeal but also provides intellectual stimulation, granting
happiness and fulfilment to those who engage in its study.
3. The Existential View
In this perspective, mathematics is perceived as a symbolic framework capable of facilitating
our comprehension of the essence of reality, the human experience, and our position in the
world. Mathematicians who embrace this standpoint hold the belief that the symbol systems
employed in mathematics can offer valuable insights into the profound structure of reality,
encompassing scientific theories, philosophical notions, and even spiritual concepts.
According to this outlook, mathematics serves as a tool for unravelling the intricacies of our
surroundings and providing meaning to fundamental inquiries regarding life and existence.
3.2 LU2: Teaching and Learning Mathematics
3.2.1 Do activities: 3.5
The Egyptian civilization developed and embraced a numerical system that utilized distinct
symbols to represent numbers. These symbols were inscribed on various mediums such as
stones, papyrus, wood, and pottery, with the writing direction moving from right to left. The
Egyptians employed tally marks, depicted as repeated vertical lines ("||||||"), to represent
numbers from 1 to 9.
The ancient Egyptians possessed a remarkable understanding of mathematics, which
included a hieroglyphic numeral system and the ability to execute intricate calculations. They
pg. 2
Assignment 03
Unique Code: 213891
Due Date: 18 July 2023
PLEASE DO NOT PLAGIARISE!
THIS PACK CONTAINS ANSWERS TO ASSIGNMENT 3.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS ALSO BASED ON YOUR OWN OPINION, THEREFOR
USE THIS AS A GUIDELINE ONLY
, Assignment 3: Questions
3.1 LU1: Mathematics in Society
Read section 1.3: Defining Mathematics – in your study guide and provide the
differences between the three views used to outline the mathematics consideration.
The consideration of mathematics can be outlined through three perspectives:
1. The Utilitarian View
This perspective regards mathematics as a practical tool that enables the solving of real-
world problems and the attainment of tangible objectives. It encompasses tasks like
computing distances, quantifying measurements, comprehending financial matters,
engineering, and designing machinery. According to this viewpoint, mathematics derives its
value from its capacity to address practical challenges across different disciplines and
domains, including physics, engineering, finance, and business.
2. The Aesthetic View
In this perspective, mathematics is regarded as a captivating and refined discipline
deserving of admiration for its innate aesthetics, harmony, and simplicity. Those who uphold
this viewpoint as mathematicians are motivated by a profound curiosity to delve into the
beauty of mathematics purely for its intrinsic value, independent of any practical or utilitarian
considerations. According to this stance, mathematics is seen as an artistic endeavour that
not only possesses visual appeal but also provides intellectual stimulation, granting
happiness and fulfilment to those who engage in its study.
3. The Existential View
In this perspective, mathematics is perceived as a symbolic framework capable of facilitating
our comprehension of the essence of reality, the human experience, and our position in the
world. Mathematicians who embrace this standpoint hold the belief that the symbol systems
employed in mathematics can offer valuable insights into the profound structure of reality,
encompassing scientific theories, philosophical notions, and even spiritual concepts.
According to this outlook, mathematics serves as a tool for unravelling the intricacies of our
surroundings and providing meaning to fundamental inquiries regarding life and existence.
3.2 LU2: Teaching and Learning Mathematics
3.2.1 Do activities: 3.5
The Egyptian civilization developed and embraced a numerical system that utilized distinct
symbols to represent numbers. These symbols were inscribed on various mediums such as
stones, papyrus, wood, and pottery, with the writing direction moving from right to left. The
Egyptians employed tally marks, depicted as repeated vertical lines ("||||||"), to represent
numbers from 1 to 9.
The ancient Egyptians possessed a remarkable understanding of mathematics, which
included a hieroglyphic numeral system and the ability to execute intricate calculations. They
pg. 2
