The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence."
From the moment CBSE announced a new elective subject “Applied Mathematics”, there has been a lot of confusion and particularly, on the question of introducing mathematics as one of the compulsory subjects for all the students of grade 11-12, especially for the ones who were planning to leave mathematics in future.
Students and parents need to make a conscious choice on selection of the subject. You need to be aware of the difference between the two.
Why are you doing this?
What’s the benefit of this
Make a computer program to do that. They don’t find it interesting at all.
The second kind of people are the ones who like mathematics because it is pure and abstract. They like solving puzzles and brainstorming.
As per the CBSE “It has been observed that the existing syllabus of Core Mathematics aligns well with Science subjects, but doesn’t align with Commerce or Social science-based subjects.”
Keeping this in mind, the new elective has been designed to provide students with relevant experience in mathematics which can be used in the fields other than Physical Sciences.
How is Applied Mathematics different from Core Mathematics?
In general, the lines between these two divisions within mathematics is often blurred. However, the traditional difference between the two is Applied Mathematics has a very clear connection to real-world problems. Core Mathematics is mathematics to be learnt for its own sake, pursuing questions based on the internal attractiveness of the subject.
Applied Mathematics is more diversified subject as one can combine mathematical tools and models with whatever interest and as well as apply them as a real life skill.
Applied Mathematics as an elective, not a skill subject
Applied Mathematics (241) is an elective course, focussed on mathematics as a discipline with an emphasis on its applications. The subject is being taught by connecting concepts to the application in various fields thereby enabling students to develop 21st-century competency, critical thinking, problem-solving, mechanical thinking and logical reasoning.
Who all can opt for Applied or core? Does science student get benefit in introducing Applied mathematics?
Application of mathematics is required at points of time no matter whatever the subject is. Thus, to keep the students abreast of the latest mathematical trends, the subject is needed. Students who opted for Commerce, Social science-based subjects, any skill-based subject at the senior secondary level (University level) can also fulfil their rage of learning mathematics joyful by opting for Applied Mathematics.
Students who have opted Science subjects, or planning to take mathematics as one of the major subjects at a higher level, should go with the existing mathematics. In Core mathematics, we learn formulas, their relations, theorem and their proof, which will be best suited to them.
The applied mathematics is also an option for those who choose Basic mathematics in class 10 and can no longer be allowed to pursue Core mathematics as an elective.
Is it compulsory for every student to take one of these Mathematics?
No, it’s not compulsory. This elective is beneficial to those who wish to learn mathematics as per required by their area of studies.
For example, if a businessman has to decide on the production of a particular product, there’ll be no need to hire someone else. He will first conduct a thorough analysis in the market, would consider the factors like market demand, market trend and then take the decision about his production. Even an artist uses maths to create a certain perception for their audience, without any special mathematical tools. One of a central features of social and managerial sciences is the use of mathematics, statistics and computers as a method of abstraction and analysis. Maths is also necessary for fashion designing, as it deals with patterns, designs, prints, measurements, stitching, etc.
It doesn’t mean you need to study engineering mathematics. The curriculum is designed to provide students with relevant experience and mathematics which can be used in the different fields other than physical sciences. People having experiences with mathematics training are highly competitive for its countless application in diverse fields and earn fame in their future career.
Can Commerce students take Core mathematics?
The students who are willing to take Mathematics/ Physical Sciences/ Engineering subjects as one of elective or wants to take admission in Mathematics Honors course or Engineering and Technology course at University level should opt for Core mathematics. Applied mathematics is about the practical application of the subject only.
Which one is better?
It is the evident fact that both have their uniqueness. To continue mathematics as a subject for higher education, students need to learn Core Mathematics. Students who want to build logical reasoning, analytical reasoning and aptitude skill of Arts and Commerce subjects must go with Applied Mathematics.
Students and parents must take their final decision by considering the scope of this subject in getting admissions to different courses at University level.
For a detailed curriculum , please visit the official website; http://cbseacademic.nic.in/Revisedcurriculum_2021.html
If there's any query related to the course, just mention it in the comments or contact us.