5. WHAT IT MEANS TO DO MATHEMATICS

"Math is the logical conclusion based on a series of assumptions."

"Math is about learning how to recognize and to solve a problem. 'To do mathematics' means to understand the process of deriving a solution to a problem."

"To do mathematics' is to abide by the rules of logic to solve or 'theorize' about ideas to do with numbers or relations."

"When I think of math, the first thing that pops into my head is algebra. Although, 'to do mathematics' has a broader definition to me, that is what it means on the most basic level to me."

"'To do mathematics' is to work out problems or understand complicated or simple concepts. Math is about solving problems of many sorts in different areas. I think math is foundation to all other subjects."

"'To do mathematics' means to manipulate theorems and logical ideas as a means to the end of solving problems and discovering even more, novel, theorems and ideas."

"Math is the process of logically figuring things out. It can deal with numbers, but does not need to. 'To do math' is to think critically in a numbers sort of way about a problem."

"I think that math is the most concrete science that we do. I think it can be used to describe a lot of the other sciences."

"'To do mathematics', is to be able to approach a particular problem and to solve it."

"Math is the language of the universe. Maybe an analogy would be a thought in a person's mind and the language to communicate and describe that thought. The thought is there whether or not the language tools exist. So, when one does mathematics, one is expressing and bringing into play truths about the universe."