https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-math-180975882/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200923-daily-responsive&spMailingID=43532057&spUserID=ODU1Njc2OTExOTgxS0&spJobID= [login to see] &spReportId=MTg0MTk3MTQ2MwS2
I think they may be overthinking the response to this one. Although I am not a mathematician I have used math in countless ways. As a photographer computing exposure in the picture taking process and in the darkroom working with chemicals. As a photographer and an artist, I've used logic based on math to compose paintings and photos. Although I am no musician, I am well aware of the mathematical logic that creates harmony and melody and rhythm and tunes that violate this logic result in discord. As a navigator, I have used math to calculate positions and courses using trigonometry and spherical trigonometry in celestial navigation. As a computer programmer I've used algebra in providing solutions to problems. In all cases, it seems to me that the answer is simple. I have also touched on uses of math in solving problems in physics and engineering. Simply put, math is a quantitative method of solving problems. Ultimately, I think this young person asked a very profound question...