, MTE1501 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 31 August 2025
1.1 Define mathematics using the three views presented in
your study guide and provide examples (6 marks)
1. Instrumentalist/Toolbox View:
Mathematics is seen as a practical tool or set of
techniques used to solve real-world problems. In this
view, mathematics is not an abstract concept but a
functional resource that helps people perform tasks,
make decisions, or predict outcomes.
Example: In a classroom, learners may use mathematics
to calculate the cost of items while budgeting for a school
project. For instance, if they are organizing a fundraiser,
they can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division to determine how much money will be raised
based on ticket prices and the number of participants.
2. Platonist View:
The Platonist perspective sees mathematics as an
abstract and universal truth that exists independently of
humans. Mathematical objects, such as numbers, shapes,
and functions, are discovered rather than invented.
Mathematics is considered eternal and unchanging, and
learning it is about uncovering these universal truths.
Example: A student studying geometry may explore the
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 31 August 2025
1.1 Define mathematics using the three views presented in
your study guide and provide examples (6 marks)
1. Instrumentalist/Toolbox View:
Mathematics is seen as a practical tool or set of
techniques used to solve real-world problems. In this
view, mathematics is not an abstract concept but a
functional resource that helps people perform tasks,
make decisions, or predict outcomes.
Example: In a classroom, learners may use mathematics
to calculate the cost of items while budgeting for a school
project. For instance, if they are organizing a fundraiser,
they can use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division to determine how much money will be raised
based on ticket prices and the number of participants.
2. Platonist View:
The Platonist perspective sees mathematics as an
abstract and universal truth that exists independently of
humans. Mathematical objects, such as numbers, shapes,
and functions, are discovered rather than invented.
Mathematics is considered eternal and unchanging, and
learning it is about uncovering these universal truths.
Example: A student studying geometry may explore the
