Math Adds Beauty and Power to Our Lives

Arthur Michelson’s article (“Why Math Always Counts,” Commentary, Dec. 26) should be read and reread by every parent and math teacher until they begin to more fully appreciate the awesome power and beauty of mathematics. How utterly mind-boggling marvelous it is that the physical world about us can be described by the symbols and operations of mathematics, and perhaps even more awesome is the fact that exploring the mathematical world leads to discoveries and insights beyond what our senses perceive.

We need even more teachers like Michelson. We need teachers who engage their students and guide them toward experiencing that joyous “Aha!” moment that may well turn their lives around, and we need parents who are willing to be involved in the process. We need to get our priorities right if we’re to survive in an increasingly competitive world.

Phillip Cutler

Costa Mesa

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The discipline of math helps takes away the mystery of numbers and makes us much more comfortable with challenging and analyzing information that uses numbers, statistics or assumptions. Mathematics is the language of understanding our universe; once we learn it we become more comfortable in using it to help us in our daily lives.

Matt Tarnay

San Diego