Math and Writing Part 5: Logic - The Great Connector

At the root of quantitative literacy and traditional literacy lies logic. In both we apply reasoning. We use established rules and structures to form arguments. We aim for something cohesive, something cogent. We often, sometimes treat both like they are in a silo, when in actuality, we need both and often use them in tandem.

The further we move up in math, I feel like this made more clear in some ways and more unclear in others, but it’s there. In algebra, I am learning how to use rules, vocabulary and mechanics to make statements. Eventually I am making some pretty strong sentences, and maybe some decent paragraphs.

By the time I get to calculus, I am writing full blown essays, and using all of the pre-existing skills I have developed. Much like an English class, I am picking up new mechanics, rules and vocabulary, but I am still writing my sentences, and making them into paragraphs. Calculus is expansion of algebra in that sense.

By the time I get an analysis course, the game has changed a bit. I am building on things in the same vein as before, but I am learning how to write more in depth, more focused. I am now forming arguments. I may have touched on previous material, but it feels different, the context and scope is different.

Before, it was just here is the topic, talk about about the problem, show your work, here are some very guided arguments. For analysis though, It feels different to then make my own argument. I am still dealing with pre-existing material, but I am also figuring out how things work on a much deeper level, while diving deeper into the language as well.