Algorithms, or mathematics
When we’re young we begin by learning the steps to add – we’re given the rules and we must learn to repeat them – no questions asked. Why does carry forward work the way it does? Well, no questions asked. To some extent, it is important to know how exactly to do a certain set of things while first learning maths. We may not be able to get anywhere in a subject if we’re unable to learn a few basic rules and know how to use them. However, after a certain point it is important to bring in the spirit of mathematical thinking within each student too – something missing in almost every form of school math education. Mathematical miseducation is so common, we wouldn’t even see it. We practically expect a math class to look like repetition and memorisation of disjointed technical facts. A teacher might teach you the quadratic formula – invented by some very smart person somewhere in the world, and we’re simply supposed to apply it. Often what we really learn in school math classes i...