SPHS MAT & Math Club

Pi Day

Pi Day is coming up on Thursday, March 14 (3/14), and Math Club is holding a contest on Thursday to see how many digits of Pi you can memorize! The person who memorizes the most digits will win a free pie! Meanwhile, prepare yourself for Pi Day with another math-inspired comic below!

source: http://www.incidentalcomics.com/

Careers in Math

Computer Programmer

In an increasingly technological world, the importance of computer programming has grown significantly over the past few years. Programmers spend a lot of time writing, testing, and modifying computer software, all of which can be applied to a broad range of solutions. They contribute to the creation and modification of computer systems used for business, telecommunications, video games, robotics, and even healthcare, all of which started with Ada Lovelace, a British female mathematician who is known as history's first computer programmer.

So what do you need to know in order to become a computer programmer?

Although programmers can write new code, or instructions for computers, they spend most of their time understanding and modifying programs written in coding languages such as C++ and Java. These coding languages make it possible to communicate instructions to a machine and perform needed tasks for users.

Programmers are also really good at solving problems, which becomes useful when debugging software. They require advanced knowledge in math, especially algebra and calculus, in which input and output data is calculated through algorithms (Ada's creation for processing machines that has paved the way for more complex and analytical computers ever since). They often follow methodological approaches in everyday computing tasks as well.

Computer programmers are essential to the world we live in today. Without them, we would not be able to search information on Google, record data, or use computers. They can have flexible working schedules, earn a median salary of $72,000, and have a very positive job outlook in years to come. Whether you're interested in making video games, designing programs for NASA, starting your own social networking site, or writing code for an autopilot, programming can take your creations to the next level.

Article Sources: http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/computer-programmer
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/comp_programmer.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Lovelace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programming#References

Image Sources: MSWord Clip Art

Careers in Math

Architecture

Do you like building models? Drawing?

Are you creative? Good with details? Numbers?

Then architecture may be the career for you. With salaries ranging from $65,000 to $120,000, architects not only design structures, but they work with other people such as engineers and economists to make their blueprints come to life. So what does architecture have to do with math?

It may come as a surprise that in the past, architects were once considered mathematicians, and vice versa. It takes a lot of skill with numbers to create something as complex and amazing as the Guggenheim or the Eiffel Tower. Delving into the life of an architect, one will see that architects create drafts using ratios and geometry. Ever heard of Pythagoras? Using the Pythagorean theorem allows architects to determine the dimensions of triangles used in their designs. Furthermore, architects use the golden number (1.618) as a building technique for more precise structures. Of all the several applications math has in the field of architecture, architects are able to truly create awe-inspiring works of art.

The following are just a few masterpieces created by renown architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Ieoh Ming Pei, and Frank Gehry.