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EQUATIONS OF SCIENCE
Lesson 1 - Page 4

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Different math disciplines including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus had to be developed through time as we began to understand the world better.  Algebra and Trigonometry were ideal for modeling linear systems which are predictable.  Algebra deals with general statements of relations, utilizing letters and other symbols to represent different values.   It helps to construct formulas that can solve problems.  Trigonometry deals with the relationship between angles and sides.  Trigonometry is used in science to help determine where the location of certain events are, like earthquakes, planets, stars, and many other things that we cannot directly measure.

Linear systems  are based on “set rules” and cannot model the real world completely.  Nonlinear systems are needed to express the modeling of a changing system.  Starting with the work of Sir Isaac Newton, mathematics was needed to model real systems.  He started developing calculus.  Calculus refers to a large branch in mathematics that can solve many ways to measure (like volume or area) using curved surfaces.  It is used in most branches of science to derive answers that cannot be measured directly.   

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