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Maths PS

The document discusses why the author chose to study mathematics at university, enjoying solving mathematical problems and finding proofs. The author looks forward to developing a deeper understanding of topics like calculus, probability, and complex numbers at university through challenging and rewarding investigative mathematics.

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Dominic Yang
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23 views

Maths PS

The document discusses why the author chose to study mathematics at university, enjoying solving mathematical problems and finding proofs. The author looks forward to developing a deeper understanding of topics like calculus, probability, and complex numbers at university through challenging and rewarding investigative mathematics.

Uploaded by

Dominic Yang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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I chose to study Mathematics at university because I am enjoying A-

level Maths and wish to learn more about this fascinating subject. I
enjoy the fact that mathematical problems usually have a clear-cut
answer (1 plus 1 will always be equal to 2), but there is often a
complex explanation as to why (Alfred North Whitehead and
Bertrand Russell took 379 pages to prove that 1+1=2 in "Principia
Mathematica"). I see mathematical problems as mysteries and enjoy
the gratification of solving them. To understand the origins of the
mathematical concepts I have studied, I am currently watching the
BBC documentary series "The Story of Maths” on YouTube, which
details the history of Mathematics from its Babylonian and ancient
Egyptian roots to the modern-day.

Pure Mathematics is defined to be the abstract science of number,


quantity and space. To me, this sums up perfectly what Mathematics
at university will be like. Rather than being about finding an answer
to an equation, it will be about finding your way through the
darkness to prove an infuriating conjecture. At university, as the
definition suggests, the line between being right and wrong becomes
blurred, where having the right answer is no longer always enough.
From reading "What is Mathematics?" by Courant and Robbins, I
was given an insight into university Mathematics. I particularly
enjoyed the added chapter by Stewart on Fermat's Last Theorem.
This shows how one conjecture can unnerve mathematicians
globally for over three centuries. To understand many of the
solutions within this text, I often repeated the calculations as
Courant has said, "you cannot learn music only by listening. When
reproducing the calculations, I can further understand the concepts
and be able to use some of the imaginative techniques in the future.
I also have a strong preference for the ’50 Mathematical Ideas You
Really Need To Know’, because it really opened my eyes to what
mathematics has to offer.
With the help of maths, I managed to develop a rational mind and
attention to detail. So, when the time come to decide what I’d like to
study further, I have chosen Maths without any hesitation. My
parents supported this decision and motivated me to write a maths
personal statement and introduce myself to the best university in the
world

When considering the enjoyment, I get from studying math at only


this basic level, I am truly encouraged to develop my knowledge
with a deeper understanding at university. I have enjoyed all areas
of Mathematics, but my favourite topic has been calculus by far. I
really enjoy using different methods for calculus, seeing a long
piece of written Math and getting the right answer to something that
can look quite complicated.

I feel university life will give me the opportunity to fully explore


many of the ideas I have only touched the surface of. Topics such as
probability, series, calculus and complex numbers have been
introduced to me through my A-level studies and books that I have
read. Developing these areas, combined with the challenging,
interesting and rewarding qualities that investigative mathematics
possesses, will make an experience to look forward to.

Thank you for considering my application.

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