The M in STEM – why maths matters 

“But when am I going to use this?” A question regularly, and fairly, asked to mathematics teachers in nearly every classroom. And the answer is “more often than you think”.  

Maths goes far beyond numbers and equations; it’s a crucial tool for future success. As industries evolve and new careers emerge, the importance of maths in securing these opportunities cannot be overstated.

Moreover, maths plays an essential role in our everyday lives, helping navigate complex situations with logic and confidence. 

Everyday Applications of Maths 

Maths isn’t confined to a textbook and grid paper; it’s a vital part of our daily routines. Whether budgeting for groceries, redecorating your home, or even baking a cake, mathematical principles guide your decisions and actions. For example: 

• Cooking requires a strong understanding of measurement and fractions to get the flavours right, and ratios to create delicious meals that are the perfect size for the group dining.  
• Building furniture or renovating a house is so much easier when you have a strong understanding of calculating area and perimeter. It can also save you money and time by helping with purchasing the right products, or amount of materials.   
• Shopping involves calculating discounts and comparing prices to get the best deals. Every time you work out whether you have the money to buy that top and those pants, you’re doing a little equation in your head!  

But it’s about more than just the numbers. Maths fosters logical thinking and problem-solving skills invaluable in everyday life.

It may not seem like it at first, but the problem-solving techniques learned in algebra can be applied to building a business plan, or troubleshooting issues with technology.

Think of it like a person going to the gym – they may not need to drop and do 100 push-ups in the middle of the street, but the strength and cardio health built up during their sessions helps make their day-to-day life easier when faced with physical tasks, like lifting boxes or walking up stairs. Studying maths is like going to the gym, but for our brain.

When faced with a challenge, a strong mathematical foundation enables us to unpack the issue systematically and find effective solutions. 

Maths in Future Careers 

The job market is rapidly changing, with a significant shift towards careers that require mathematical skills. From data analysis and design to finance/budgeting and artificial intelligence (AI), maths is at the core of many high-demand professions.

For instance, data scientists use mathematics to analyse complex data, providing insights that influence business decisions.

Architects rely on maths to design attractive and balanced structures that stay standing, while cryptographers use algebra to encrypt and decode hidden messages to keep Australia safe from potential security threats.  

By 2025, it’s predicted that nearly all job sectors will value employees who can think logically and solve problems efficiently, both skills that are actively developed while studying mathematics.  

Maths matters for your future career and everyday life. By developing strong mathematical skills, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Embracing maths and integrating it into your daily life can empower you with the skills and mindset to thrive in an evolving job market and tackle everyday problems with ease. So, get excited about maths and unlock the amazing opportunities it holds for your future! 

For Parents and Carers 

The way we talk about maths in the home is fundamentally important in shaping our kids’ perceptions of the subject. It can be tempting to commiserate with a “I hated maths in high school, too!” when a young person is complaining about their maths struggles, but these small statements can be surprisingly damaging to their mindset and normalise simply giving up on an incredibly important subject.  

Instead of…	Try saying…
“I hate maths too, but you’ve just got to stick it out until Year 11!”	“Hey I know it can be difficult, but it does get easier with practise and it’s so satisfying when you do get it – do you remember a time when it just clicked?”
“Oh I never understood maths either. I’m just not a maths person.”	“I asked for help a lot too! But that’s okay, if you’re making mistakes that means you’re growing.”
“I haven’t used any of the maths I learnt in school.”	“I might not use trigonometry every day in my work, but I do solve problems almost every day, and practising maths problems really helps train that part of your brain.”

Discussing the everyday and future job uses of mathematics also really helps our young people to see the value in a subject that can sometimes feel quite removed from reality.

If you’re not sure where something is used in reality, try googling it with your child. By modelling a growth mindset, you can help your child open up opportunities they may have ruled out for themselves otherwise.  

Read more about maths anxiety and what you can do as a parent.