# Why is there math in everything?! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 29, 2014, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416 "2014-12-29T05:41:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/21 "2014-12-29T18:57:43Z")
> [@bump](#): > > IIRC, second grade math doesn’t include multiplication or division (or it didn’t in 1980-1981 anyway), so that’s a HUGE handicap in the modern world. To give an example, if she worked at a restaurant, and someone said “I need 500 straws.”, and they come in boxes of 150, she’d be unable to work out that she needs to go get 4 boxes and \*\*will have 1/3 of a box left over \*\*at the end. Emphasis added. I assume you don’t work in a restaurant. 😃 Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![yellowjacketcoder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4bbf92/32.png) [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/22 "2014-12-29T19:55:26Z")
As far as the calculus requirement, that may be a university requirement more so than a major requirement. University requirements apply to everyone equally, so if the university requires calculus, then their baking program requires calculus. I know when I went to GT, everyone was required to take calculus even if you were in the History, Technology, and Society major that was the liberal arts major Tech offered. Plus, I could see a baker needing to use statistics as part of the business side of baking, and college level statistics is often (sometimes?) calculus based. Mine was, but I’m probably a bad example since I have a degree in Computer Science. As far as jobs for the woman in question - yea, college isn’t for everyone, and I see it not being right for her. I’m surprised however, that she isn’t looking into basic retail - running the cash register no longer requires math, just punch up the thing you need and it spits out the total after tax. Yea, working retail for the rest of your life sucks, no doubt about it, but if you can’t multiply or follow a conversation, you’re going to be awfully limited. ---
**Author:** ![No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@No\_umlaut\_for\_U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_umlaut_for_U)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/23 "2014-12-29T20:30:02Z")
What about something in graphic arts or sign/window painting? I see quite a few restaurants which have season-appropriate paintings added to the glass. It’s a nice touch. Could she do small animal care such as grooming birds or pet rodents? How’s her handwriting? Sometimes brides will hire a calligrapher for wedding invitations. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/24 "2014-12-29T20:34:56Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > Um, isn’t needing calculus to bake bread a bit of an exaggeration on your part, **Arztwolf**? But I can see how needing to understand fractions would be useful for baking and cooking. Also how to increase or decrease recipes depending on how many people one wants to serve. One problem is the “degreeification” of fields of work that has been going on for some time. Nowadays, there are full, “real” Associate’s Degrees in Auto Mechanics, Criminal Justice (i.e. how to be a cop), and Culinary Arts (i.e. cookery). It used to be that a somewhat intelligent underachiever could get a job doing one of those things and train right there on the job, and become a decent auto mechanic or whatever. Now, you are supposed to Go To College to do, well, pretty much anything. In ten years, you’ll probably need to be a Master of Arts in Entry Chamber Communications Science to answer phones at the front desk and employers will be scrambling to implement a five-year plan to require a Doctor of Frontdeskery degree for new hires. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/25 "2014-12-29T20:43:01Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Honestly, a baker needs math as much as anyone. Taking recipes and doubling them, etc. requires math. Converting volumes between pints, cups, and ounces, for instance, requires a basic understanding of math. I can’t imagine how calculus will help a baker unless he’s required to compute the volume of a loaf of bread before selling it… I think that’s sort of the point. A baker needs to be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and identify when these operations are needed. E.g. I have 10 full drums of Potassium Benzoate, each labeled “one gallon”, and the recipe for frogurt toppings calls for 10mL Potassium Benzoate per serving. How many servings of frogurt toppings can I make? A baker doesn’t need to be able to calculate the area under the curve of x squared + 3x between -10 and 50. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/26 "2014-12-29T20:57:16Z")
> [@yellowjacketcoder](#): > > I’m surprised however, that she isn’t looking into basic retail - running the cash register no longer requires math, just punch up the thing you need and it spits out the total after tax. I’m going to assume you’ve never worked retail. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/27 "2014-12-29T21:48:02Z")
> [@robert\_columbia](#): > > I think that’s sort of the point. A baker needs to be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and identify when these operations are needed. E.g. I have 10 full drums of Potassium Benzoate, each labeled “one gallon”, and the recipe for frogurt toppings calls for 10mL Potassium Benzoate per serving. How many servings of frogurt toppings can I make? Ooo, frogurt! ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/28 "2014-12-29T23:21:13Z")
I looked at some major 4 year university requirements, and the math needed for most majors is not calculus. Algebra, polynomials, intro to trig. Maybe precalc like curves. Either that or you can skip it all and take statistics. Or it looks like computer science in some cases. In my experience heavy calculus in not required in many general universities for non-math majors, unless_possibly_ if it’s very math or engineering oriented school. Are we sure that Local CC is stricter? Or try some skilled trade (don’t think you need a baking degree). What about grocery work is tough? Repetitive work? Lifting heavy bags? > [@RandMcnally](#): > > Ooo, frogurt! Curses 101 prereq. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/29 "2014-12-29T23:36:35Z")
> [@Jragon](#): > > How else will I calculate the precise volume of this muffin tin that happens to follow some extremely well-defined function? You eyeball it and pour in enough batter to you get good, big muffin tops. Did nobody teach you how to bake? > [@robert\_columbia](#): > > I think that’s sort of the point. A baker needs to be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and identify when these operations are needed. E.g. I have 10 full drums of Potassium Benzoate, each labeled “one gallon”, and the recipe for frogurt toppings calls for 10mL Potassium Benzoate per serving. How many servings of frogurt toppings can I make? “10mL Potassium Benzoate per serving?” First, it’s a solid so you aren’t saying what concentration the mixture is. If you want to be precise use precise units or nobody will make good frogurt toppings. Second, it’s going to taste pretty shitty. Third, you’re going to kill cats if they get at frogurt with that much Potassium Benzoate. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/30 "2014-12-29T23:51:19Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > What about grocery work is tough? Repetitive work? Lifting heavy bags? As in the OP, one of her many issues is a joint problem, and physical work causes her pain. When you put it all together: she can’t do mental work, she can’t do physical work, she lives in an extremely rural area and can’t drive. And to top it off, her gender identity is causing her socialization and dating problems. I’m all for mainstreaming, and giving everyone a purpose in life, and giving everyone a reason to live. But frankly, some people are just not able. This is sounding like a situation where her parents and the others who love her just need to bite the bullet and accept that she needs to be reliant on society for her support. I, as a member of society, am fine with that. It happens. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/31 "2014-12-30T00:52:58Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > As in the OP, one of her many issues is a joint problem, and physical work causes her pain. Thanks for answering a question with the same question. But I think the OP knows better about which joints and what she can and can’t do. Again: if it’s mainly lifting the bags that’s a problem but her fine motor skills are good, it affects her options. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/32 "2014-12-30T01:01:12Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Thanks for answering a question with the same question. I would assume that a joint problem includes the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. All or any of which would be an issue for a retail worker in any position. I’m uncertain as to why you question that a joint problem would be an issue for a retail worker. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/33 "2014-12-30T01:07:20Z")
😕 Because I didn’t? The question is of specific clarification, not doubt. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/34 "2014-12-30T01:21:28Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > 😕 Because I didn’t? The question is of specific clarification, not doubt. Believe it or not, running a cash register with one’s fine motor skills also involves heavy use of the elbow and shoulder, and standing and shifting on the hip, knee, and ankle. Stocking, in retail, involves heavy use of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. Standing around helping people involves all of the joints mentioned previously to a lesser extent. I’m going to assume that you have no idea what retail workers actually do. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/35 "2014-12-30T01:29:58Z")
> [@ArztWolf](#): > > One other option is TSA screener. She is super good with attention to detail, like “Where’s Waldo?” world champion type. Just an idea the counselor put out that might work. For better or worse I did promise the TSA that I wouldn’t discuss their screening and application process but if she can’t handle bagging groceries due to EDS she’s not likely to get a job with the TSA. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/36 "2014-12-30T01:39:34Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > Believe it or not, running a cash register with one’s fine motor skills also involves heavy use of the elbow and shoulder, and standing and shifting on the hip, knee, and ankle. Stocking, in retail, involves heavy use of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. Standing around helping people involves all of the joints mentioned previously to a lesser extent. > > I’m going to assume that you have no idea what retail workers actually do. ^ This. As someone who is currently working retail who does a combination of shelf stocking, customer service, and running a cash register I personally find that standing most of the day in front of the register is far more tiring and physically uncomfortable than either of the other two. I’ll also note that you’ll find cashiers wearing wrist braces due to repetitive motion problems far more often than other positions in retail. If she has joint problems AND math problems (because you have to know how to make correct change and some math knowledge is needed, even today, for complex transactions where, for instance, a customer pays with a combination of gift card, cash, and some sort of credit/benefit card) she’s not going to make it as a cashier. If she has joint problems she won’t be able to do the sort of stock work I do, which requires you to be able to lift up to 40 lbs repeatedly over a shift. It sounds like she really needs some help locating a job she actually can do or, as others have said, investigate official disability. ---
**Author:** ![ArztWolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@ArztWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArztWolf)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/37 "2014-12-30T01:50:55Z")
Going on disability for her will just make her self esteem/disability issues worse. There isn’t s a ton of stigma attached to being on disability in this area. Plus, she is super determined to find a job. This girl comes from a family where her grandfather mowed his church’s lawn a week after open heart surgery. Heck, she was told she’d never graduate high school (she had A and B,'s in all subjects but math and needed to pass the TAKS test in order to graduate). ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/38 "2014-12-30T02:00:34Z")
> [@ArztWolf](#): > > Plus, she is super determined to find a job. What job can she perform? From your description, there are very few jobs she can perform. > [@](#): > > This girl comes from a family where her grandfather mowed his church’s lawn a week after open heart surgery. Is she pressured by her family that she must find a job, even if she’s incapable? > [@](#): > > Heck, she was told she’d never graduate high school (she had A and B,'s in all subjects but math and needed to pass the TAKS test in order to graduate). What’s a TAKS test? ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/39 "2014-12-30T02:09:19Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Fill it up with water and dump it into a measuring cup. Math, but not calculus. 🙂 > [@dropzone](#): > > You eyeball it and pour in enough batter to you get good, big muffin tops. Did nobody teach you how to bake? You guys realize I was joking, right? It’s a common answer to “when am I going to use calculus” is finding the area or volume of some object. My “extremely well-defined function” thing was poking fun at the fact that it was impractical. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2014, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416/40 "2014-12-30T02:16:33Z")
> [@ArztWolf](#): > > Heck, she was told she’d never graduate high school (she had A and B,'s in all subjects but math and needed to pass the TAKS test in order to graduate). I’ll ask, in addition to asking what a TAKS test is, how did someone that can only do second grade arithmetic graduate high school? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-math-in-everything/708416.md?page=3)