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Hey Mom! What's For Dinner?

Do the Math!

8 Top Secrets for Making A's

Numbers play a role in practically everything you do in life.

In fact, math is happening all around you - even in the most unlikely places! Check out a pineapple – most healthy, well-rounded pineapples will have 8 spirals in one direction and 13 in the other. Now look at daisies and sunflowers – lay out the numbers of spirals found on each item in ascending order and this is what they look like: 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 and so on. Notice that two consecutive numbers in the sequence add up to the next number and so on forever.

So, if you found this little math trivia interesting, you may be a person who likes definite answers and solutions to life’s mysteries – not guesses or theories or maybes. You may also like things neat and orderly. It’s quite possible, then, that you’re a natural mathematician. Now that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a person who wants to spend a lifetime working with numbers; but, on the other hand, maybe you are. Actually, the beauty of a strong math education is you have nearly unlimited options for your future.

Take, for instance, the field of robotics engineering. No, we’re not talking about the laser beam firing, half human / half machine, space explorer type of robots. Those can only be found in the movies (for now, at least). Today’s robots don’t look anything like those on the big screen but they do serve a wide variety of useful functions in various key industries like hi-tech manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and nuclear power plant maintenance. This is also a field that is enjoying rapid growth as new advances are making more and more career opportunities available. But, without a solid math background you won’t be able to take the graduate level courses in computer and applied physical sciences necessary for securing one of these high paying jobs.

Another popular math related field is computer software engineering. Recognized by career strategists as one of the fastest growing of all occupations, these skilled professionals typically design, build, test, install, and maintain applications software or complete computer systems. And, in case you happen to be someone who likes money, this is a field that pays very well. Just a few years ago the median average earnings nationwide for software engineers was $75,000 – a number that will only go up in the future.

Speaking of the future – without the exact application of math principles, nearly all of our nation’s businesses would wither and die. This is because accountants perform a wide range of functions to help make certain the companies they work for operate profitably, within budget, and according to the government’s latest tax laws. In fact, many accountants work for the government where they not only examine personal and business tax returns, they also inspect public agencies and offices to ensure our tax dollars are being spent legally.

Fast growing also defines the state of job opportunities for those who want to join the noble ranks of math teachers across the country. The amount of education you will need and the income you can expect as a math teacher depends on whether you pursue a career in a public or private high school or a postsecondary college or university. Regardless of the environment, few professions offer the personal satisfaction and rewards that come from helping and watching others grow in their understanding of a demanding subject like math. In short, math skills are essential for anyone who wants a career that counts!

Sidebar: Check Out These Cool Math Related Careers!

+ Aeronautical engineers - create new flying machines
+ Astronomers - examine the planets, stars, and other celestial objects
+ Cartographers - assemble maps of large land masses
+ Economists - study how culture and money mix
+ Geologists - study the earth’s soils and rocks
+ Physicians - provide health care and research diseases
+ Physicists - study the natural laws and make-up of the universe
+ Surveyors- measure specific areas of land, air, space, and water

Sidebar: Jasmine Lawrence

Starting and running a successful business requires a commitment to math excellence.

Jasmine Lawrence knows this first-hand. Starting at the age of 13, Jasmine founded EDEN BodyWorks-a company that develops, manufactures, and distributes all natural skin and hair care products. Jasmine, like many visionaries, started her venture because of a personal need. After some very bad experiences with harsh chemical products, she decided to create soaps, bath salts, shampoos, and conditioners that restore and maintain healthy skin and hair.

As reported by such major media outlets as NBC News, "The Wall Street Journal", The Oprah Winfrey Show, and "Inc. Magazine", Jasmine’s story has captured the interest of retailers across the country. In fact, with her products now offered by Wal-Mart, she projects sales this year of more than $1 million. No wonder she said in a recent interview, "I think it’s pretty cool to be a CEO at 16."

1. How did you come up with the ingredients and formulas for your products - were Math and Chemistry important?
I researched the different ingredients I wanted to use and also ingredients that were good for the hair and skin. Math helps when I am developing formulas for new products or mixing custom blends. I have to have my ratios correct and also know the right amount of each ingredient to use. Chemistry was important… I had to be careful to make sure the two ingredients worked well together or the "experiment" wouldn’t turn out right.

2. What advice would you give others who want to start a business, and especially as it relates to math?
My advice would be to BUY A CALCULATOR!!! It is great to be precise and to always double check your work. If math will help you further your career then keep trying and never give up!

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