I didn't understand before, but I'm starting to see why he said that. Math is kind of like Wikipedia... every time you learn about one thing, you get curious to know about at least 10 more. Maybe it's an addiction. There are worse things to be addicted to, I suppose.
Today I saw a basic I-O matrix (2 commodities). When I solved the algebra behind it I realized that I was actually solving for the "determinant." Ah, the link between theory and application has been made. This is good.
I'd say that learning a new math technique is different than most other things, because it actually provides a new way to structure your thoughts, and to analyze the things you already know. I guess it sort of takes everything you know already and makes it that much more understandable...no wonder it's addictive!
ReplyDelete