Pure Mathematics vs. Applied Mathematics: Which is Your Favorite Field?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around a poll comparing preferences between pure mathematics and applied mathematics. Participants express diverse opinions, with some favoring pure mathematics for its elegance and beauty, while others prefer applied mathematics for its practical applications in fields like physics. Notably, one participant aligns with G.H. Hardy's perspective on the aesthetic value of pure mathematics. The conversation highlights the intrinsic value of both fields, emphasizing that pure mathematics is seen as art, whereas applied mathematics is appreciated for its utility in solving real-world problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pure mathematics concepts such as number theory and abstract algebra.
  • Familiarity with applied mathematics techniques, including statistical analysis and mathematical modeling.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between mathematics and physics, particularly in problem-solving contexts.
  • Awareness of philosophical perspectives on mathematics, such as those presented by G.H. Hardy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of number theory in pure mathematics.
  • Research mathematical modeling techniques used in applied mathematics.
  • Study the philosophical implications of mathematics as discussed by G.H. Hardy.
  • Investigate the role of mathematics in physics, focusing on how mathematical theories are applied to solve physical problems.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, educators, and students interested in the philosophical and practical aspects of mathematics will benefit from this discussion.

which one of the following do you prefer:

  • Pure Mathematics

    Votes: 27 51.9%

  • Applied Mathematics

    Votes: 16 30.8%

  • Both of the above

    Votes: 8 15.4%

  • None of the above

    Votes: 1 1.9%
  • Total voters
    52
murshid_islam
Messages
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hi, a poll has been going on about our favourite fields in mathematics. i decided to run a poll on broader topics, namely, pure mathematics and applied mathematics. which one do you guys prefer?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Which one do you prefer and why ?
 
i prefer pure mathematics. i think its much more elegant and beautiful than applied mathematics. my feelings towards mathematics is a bit like that of Hardy's. :smile:
 
Last edited:
I prefer math to physics personally
 
I voted Applied Mathematics because the solutions are useful to me as a Physicist...
 
physics is logic and real while math is just abstractits ture that physics needs math to solve a problem but life is physics
 
Although I am a pure mathematician, I have voted "both of them". I think both pure and applied mathematics have their inherent beauty. Pure mathematics is like a form of art, it's existence is justified by itself. While the beauty of applied mathematics lies in it's power to solve real problems.
 
^nice analysis. But things like the prime number spiral are the domain of pure math, so that is where my vote went.
 
IMHO.

Pure math is boring.

Applied math is the world we live in, now that is interesting.
 
  • #10
I like pure math to some degree, but I really like to see math applied in some sense. Pure math by itself is too much for me to bear.
 
  • #11
As was mentioned earlier by desA, I voted applied maths as I'm a physicist. Speculative maths has too much rigor and abstraction!
 
  • #12
elabed haidar said:
physics is logic and real while math is just abstractits ture that physics needs math to solve a problem but life is physics

That is why I like pure math. As far from life and all its messiness as possible.
 

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