You searched for math at work monday | Page 3 of 13

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Amanda the Judicial Assistant

I hope you never have to go to court. But if you do, you’ll appreciate folks like Amanda Tuttle, who is completely dedicated to accuracy and details. As a judicial assistant, her main responsibility is to keep court records, including video and audio recordings. And that takes a little bit of basic math.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I have been in this role for five years, and I keep the court records of all court proceedings by video and audio. In addition, I run the equipment. I also hold evidence during trials, and I am responsible for transferring that evidence to the property room once the trial or case is complete. I do a lot of data entry. This entails typing to file for public record and mailing notices as well as orders and entries to individuals and/or attorneys.

When do you use basic math in your job?

The only basic math I use is telling time and reading the times in my video log to find a portion of a court hearing. [Editor’s Note: This is not as simple as it sounds, since time is in base 60, while we’re used to managing numbers in base 10.]

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

The technology used for this math is on the computer. However, I do not use it as an aide to read the time.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

Being able to read time helps me do my job better because I can easily tell time to look for specific portions of the record. I have to do this in order to provide a copy to the judge to make a ruling or to provide a copy to the transcribing company.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I feel comfortable with basic math. This math does not feel different to me, because I learned how to tell time in early childhood and use it everyday.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I took algebra and geometry in high school. I liked algebra, and I did feel like I was good at it. I actually enjoyed it. However, I did not like geometry and was not very good at it.

Are you intrigued by the role of judicial assistant? I found it interesting to hear about what goes on behind the scenes. Any questions for Amanda…let me know!

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Tammy the Purchasing Coordinator

When we purchase a product we do not even think of the processes that have to take place in order for the product to reach our hands. So much is involved on the back end of things. Tammy Landrum is the purchasing coordinator BSF, Inc., and she understands the entire process including the math.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I work in the purchasing department, and I have been in this profession for seven and a half years. Our company makes pump motor adaptors. I process all of the purchase orders, and I purchase products from outside sources that are needed to complete the orders we receive. I schedule shipments and create documents needed by our machinists in order to make the parts and the documents needed by our shipping department to ship the parts.

When do you use basic math in your job?

I use math each day when I send an order acknowledgement to the customer verifying the cost on each order. Sometimes I have to cost the part before I process the order. Costing involves calculating the cost to manufacture the part during each phase of production and the marking that price up by a certain percentage to produce our profit margin.

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

Yes, I use a computer everyday to input the orders and also to cost the orders. We have a configuration that calculates the price of each part. We quote the part to a customer and they place the order.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

I would not be able to calculate the total amount due for each order without using math. Also, I could not calculate the price of each part without math.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I’m somewhat comfortable with math. I don’t have to do many calculations in my head. I have a computer for that so I don’t think I would be very comfortable doing my job without my computer.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I took algebra and basic math. I liked math a lot. I always did well in my math classes.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

I had to learn to use the software programs needed to do my job. I think my basic math skills made it easier for me to learn what I needed to in order to do my job well.

Anything else you want to mention?

Math is important in our everyday lives. We use it more than we realize.

Of course, if you want to learn more about the role of math in the job position of purchasing coordinator, just reach out to me, and I will connect with her.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Bonnee the Freelance Artist

Today, you will meet Bonnee Byrne who is Freelance Artist and Owner of Signs by Bonnee. She has been painting artwork and signs for the past twenty-six years. Sound like fun, huh? She even seems to enjoy the math aspect of the job!

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I am a painter. This includes painting portraits in charcoal, pastels, and oil paint. I also do other professional artwork such as butcher paper commercial and all occasion banners, window painting, caricatures and illustrations.

When do you use basic math in your job?

The main time that I use math is when I am planning to make very long banners. I work on an easel that is 8 feet long and 4 feet high. Many times my banners have been 20 to 40 feet long. I have to calculate how much to paint on each 8-foot segment in order for the banner to come out right and the wording to be centered.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

It would be impossible to do this job without basic math skills.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I am fairly comfortable with basic math all the time. I am not very familiar with advanced math.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I chose to take Algebra and Geometry only- the minimum amount to graduate. I did not have to have any math in college since I was an art major. I did not like algebra at all and do not feel like I had a complete understanding of it. I did like geometry much better probably because I am an artist and learn things better in a visual format.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

No, I picked it up using the skills I learned in school.

Goes to show that even if math is not your favorite subject, when used to do something you love…it’s not so bad!. If you want to hear more about Bonnee’s artwork, let me know I would be happy to connect you!

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Tina the Corporate Secretary

Many of us work in what we call corporate America. A lot goes on behind the scenes that allows the workers to do their jobs effectively. Tina Boocher is a corporate secretary at her husband’s fabrication business, Boochers, Inc., a a steel manufacturing company — but her responsibilities go way beyond managing email, calendars and meeting agendas. You won’t believe the math she does.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I work in the office of a fabrication and repair shop. My job consists of entering orders, making schedules for the employees, working up drawings and prints to build from, bookkeeping and payroll.

When do you use basic math in your job?

I use basic math in just about all applications of my work. When figuring out the dimensions on the prints (which our employees build from), I have to calculate within fractions of an inch what dimensions are required so that we can accurately fabricate and assemble our parts. As for bookkeeping and payroll, math is extremely important because it is used in ALL aspects, whether it is entering items into inventory, tallying outstanding checks to reconcile a bank statement or calculating time cards so that paychecks are printed.

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

Mostly, I use an adding machine to aid my work. Although, I sometimes use a calculator and computer. Spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel, are very useful for making reports. Excel requires the user to be able to write math formulas.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

My job would be IMPOSSIBLE to do without math. Without math, we couldn’t make our parts, track our information in our computers, or pay employees.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I feel fairly comfortable with the math that I use on a regular basis. There are times when we have drawings that require advanced trigonometry in order to build them. At that point I need help from the fabricators who are more familiar with that type of math.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

In high school, I only made it through Algebra 1.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

I received on-the-job training for bookkeeping, payroll and figuring the dimensions on the prints.

This is a great example of how important the ability to do math is. If you want more details about Boocher’s or Tina’s use of math at work, comment below. I’ll be happy to ask her!

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Aliya the staffing agency branch manager

With unemployment rates at record levels, temporary agencies are busier than ever. I had the pleasure of speaking with Aliya Purtee who is the branch manager at Patrick Staffing, a temporary staffing agency. She not only helps people get placed in jobs but also plays a big part in making sure people are paid.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I am a branch manager and a payroll specialist at a staffing agency. As branch manager, I oversee three employees. An aspect of my role is to listen to the needs of the staff, and then I ensure that my staff fulfills their needs. A big part of my job is processing payroll for about 100 employees each week. This includes checking time cards to make sure there are no additional errors. Also, I engage with approximately 50 customers per week and then our branch takes applications five days a week.

When do you use basic math in your job?

I consistently use basic math skills in my job. My job consists of calculating hours for payroll, pay and bill rates. Also, I use math to generate company’s markups and to determine a burden rate for worker’s compensation. I use the company’s markup to calculate pay rates and bill rates. Some companies pay a shift premium which also requires calculation.

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

I use a calculator sometimes, but most of the time I do the figures in my head. I enter the figures into the computer. Also, I issue debit cards for the employees that do not have direct deposit set up. After the time is entered, I print a report that allows me to audit my entries so that I can double check for mistakes.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

If I did not have basic math skills, I could not fulfill my duties at work.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I am very confident with my math skills. In my current position I cannot make errors. If I do, they can have large consequences.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

In high school, I took algebra. I did not like math in high school, and I refused to challenge myself with advanced classes. I really did not realize how much math is used in our everyday lives. [Tweet this]

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

I did not have to learn new math skills at my job.

The people who manage payroll could easily go unnoticed — until we didn’t get our paychecks! If you have questions for Aliya, post them in the comments section, and I’ll ask her.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Sarah the Recycling Truck Driver

You probably see your recycling truck driver every week and yet never think about the ins and outs of their job. Sarah Penrod is one of those faithful people who picks up your recyclable goods on a regular basis so that you can help make the world a little greener. I found it interesting to hear about her job.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I work for South Utah Valley Solid Waste District. I drive a roll-off truck, and I haul recyclable cans and deliver compost. I also work the scale which weighs trucks as they come in and out.

When do you use basic math in your job?

We use math a lot in conversions. We convert pounds into ton and then calculate the price per ton. I also use geometry when I am loading or taking the container off my truck. I have to make sure that I have the right angle so the can is able to slide off correctly rather than on its side.

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

We use a computer to convert most of the weights and dollar amounts for us, but I use geometric principles in my head.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

I have to understand and know my angles and conversions in order to do my job effectively.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I feel comfortable with basic math, but anything beyond algebra would require some refresher courses.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I took Algebra and Geometry.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

No, the math was something that I already knew.

There may be more you’d like to know about Sarah and the job of driving a recycling truck. This is something you may not have given much thought before. Now that you’re thinking…if you think of anything else you’d like to ask Sarah, just let me know and I’ll catch her in between routes.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Michelle Matlock the Physician Assistant

Math is important in many careers, but one of the most critical is in the field of medicine. For example, it’s very important for medicine to be dosed in correct amounts. I’m thankful that Michelle knows her math since she is assisting physicians on a daily basis. Even though I hope I don’t have to visit her… it’s good to know she’s there.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I am a physician assistant. It is an advanced degree where I am able to interview, examine, order tests, perform minor procedures, assist in surgery, develop treatment plans and write prescriptions. Basically, I function much like a doctor.

When do you use basic math in your job?

All the time. I have to quickly convert pounds to kilograms because a lot of medicines are dosed in kilograms. This is especially important in trauma situations. Many medicines are weight-based like 50mg/kg divided in 3 doses per 24 hours. It gets complicated. I’m thankful that I don’t work in pediatrics because there are further calculations involving liquid and then interpreting the directions into teaspoons/mL/cc so that it makes sense to the parent based on the measuring device that is accessible to them.

Do you use any technology to help with this math?

Yes, I use calculators. I also use paper and pencil the old-fashioned way to visualize the conversions. Electronic medical record has settings that help and alert you if what you are ordering doesn’t make sense.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

I don’t know about better, but it’s necessary.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I rarely feel comfortable, but I feel safe that there are resources available to check my work so that I don’t make mistakes.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I took Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

No, not really. Occasionally I have to brush up on statistics in order to interpret research or scholarly articles and data. There isn’t much of a role for advanced math, such as trigonometry, in my daily job.

Questions for Michelle? Let me know, and I’ll ask her!

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Rick Scherer the Certified Medical Dosimetrist

In today’s world, we’ve all unfortunately been touched by cancer in one way or another. We may have stood beside a loved one as they battled the disease, or we may have experienced it first-hand. Rick at First Dayton Cyberknife encounters cancer patients on a daily basis as he assists in their treatment. I’m thankful for folks like him who use their math skills effectively to help others.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I am a certified medical dosimetrist at First Dayton Cyberknife. I work in radiation therapy which is used to treat people who have cancer. I make sure the radiation kills the cancer cells without harming the patient.

The medical dosimetrist is responsible for designing a treatment plan and carrying out calculations with mathematical accuracy for the delivery of radiation treatment based on the oncologist’s prescribed course of therapy. This treatment plan takes into consideration tumor pathology, tumor volume, and inherent dose-limiting structures surrounding the tumor. The treatment plan and radiation field-placement techniques are constructed utilizing sophisticated computer equipment and technology. The medical dosimetrist, along with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, will work to construct a treatment plan that will meet the prescription written by the oncologist, ensuring that the patient will not lose important healthy organ function and that the radiation delivered will not affect healthy surrounding tissue. These treatment plans not only include the use of radiation but also, in many cases, involve the use of radioactive elements during interstitial brachytherapy procedures. Once the treatment plan is complete, the medical dosimetrist will work closely with the radiation therapists in the implementation of the prescribed plan.

When do you use basic math in your job?

My whole job is math related. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without math skills. Most of my job pertains to the physical properties of radiation and its interactions with matter. There are calculations depending on energy, energy type (photon, electron, gamma ray), size of the treatment field etc. Most of these calculations are done using a treatment planning system (TPS). We use Eclipse, which is from a company called Varian. We also use a Cyberknife, which uses a software called MultiPlan.

Do you use any technology to help with this math?

Most of the time I use specialized software for treatment planning but not always. Some plans have to be hand calculated.

Sometimes I use a hand calculation to basically determine how long the machine needs to stay on to deliver a certain dose to a certain depth. For example, the radiation oncologist will prescribe 2400 cGy (centigray is a unit of absorbed dose) in 10 treatments (240 cGy per treatment) to a depth of 80% or sometimes he will say 2 centimeterss. I will use a simple formula that we call a hand calc, 240

80% • 1.002 =299cGy
(where 1.002 is the output factor of field and energy)

1 cGy=1 monitor unit on the machine so the machine would be set to 299 mu’s per treatment for ten treatments for 100% coverage of radiation at the 80% isodose line. This is confusing as heck so I won’t get any deeper with this because I will just go on and on and on….

This is a very simple calculation. Most of the time we aren’t this lucky. Actually most of the time everything is calculated with the Treatment Planning System.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

Math is physics and physics is math, so you can’t have one without the other.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I feel very comfortable with some math, but with other math I still feel very uncomfortable.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

The highest I took was Algebra II. I barely passed!

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

I have had to learn new calculations for new procedures depending on the type of treatment. Some treatments use a real source of radiation which has different factors. In college, medical physics and radiation physics were totally new to me. I can’t really compare it to normal math class. Lots of formulas, laws and other “math stuff.”

One law that is common is radiation is called the inverse square law: In physics, an inverse-square law is any physical law stating that a specified physical quantity or intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of that physical quantity. That is one of the first things you learn.

Want to know more about using math in the fight against cancer? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to ask Rick your questions.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Tim Lane the Real Estate Appraiser

Real estate appraisers: whether you love them or hate them, they’re a necessity. Sometimes we may disagree with their figures, but as Tim Lane shows us, the facts are the facts. And how does Tim get to those facts? Math of course. This math has a purpose, backed by meaning, and it’s hands-on. Tim shows us some of the inside scoop in the field of real estate appraisal.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

The job of a real estate appraiser is to determine what the property is that is being appraised: is the property a single family home, a duplex, an apartment building or something else? As well, what is the home in terms of age, size, construction quality, bedroom/bath count, and other features? Once this has been determined, the appraiser’s job then shifts to the task of analyzing the market area. This includes an analysis of the area on a large scale (city wide) relating to economics and the economic base, then a second analysis of the specific neighborhood within the city to determine what is happening in that neighborhood with real estate price trends, supply and demand, and what features or amenities are most important at this time. Finally, all the data comes together into a 30-40 page report in which all the data is given to the client. Contrary to what most people think, appraisers do not set the value of a property, we simply report what is going on in the area, and what a property is likely to sell for based on other recent sales in the area that are as similar as possible to property being appraised.

When do you use basic math in your job?

From start to finish. Initially, we have to use math to determine simple things such as how much time it takes to get from one property to another, what is the distance between them, and how many hours of daylight we have to work with to get everywhere we want or need to be in a day’s time. Math continues when looking at economic statistics to determine market trends ranging from basic issues such as determining if the area has an oversupply of available real state as compared to what the market has demonstrated can be sold in a given time frame, determining how much of a decline a market may see based on different rates of oversupply, using statistics such as regression analysis to determine a market’s reaction in terms of real dollars to different features or lack of a feature in a home. Math is used to determine the living space of a home, the size of the lot, to determine fractional increments of return on the dollar for investments made in a property. If the property is income producing, we use math to determine an investment rate of return for dollars investments, sinking fund factors, future value of a dollar, and to help determine what type of funds need to be set aside each month for repairs of items such as roofs, HVAC systems, water heaters and other components of a home. Finally, appraisers use math to determine the cost to build a home.

Do you use any technology to help with this math?

We do use calculators and computers heavily. Calculators such as an HP-12C has been the industry standard for the real estate and finance industry for 25+ years. Software providers in the industry do all they can to calculate as many equations as possible so that we can cut down the time it takes to produce a report. Software such as Excel make complex equations much easier. However, if anyone wants to be an appraiser they are still required to be able to do all the math–much of which is very complex–with a simple pencil and paper, in order to be certified by a state and the federal government.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

Math certainly helps appraisers do our jobs better. Most appraisers are very adept at being able to simply see a property, and know what it is likely to sell for. However our clients such as banks, accountants, lawyers, and tax courts simply will not accept a quick email with a value. Everything the appraiser says has to be backed up with provable facts; this is always rooted in math. Whether it is the size of a room, the size of a home, the size of a lot, the value of an additional bath, or the value of an additional quarter acre of land, it all has to be proven to our clients beyond any shadow of a doubt. Math is the only way to accomplish this level of proof.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

Initially, as I began to get into appraising, I wasn’t comfortable at all. Algebra and geometry play heavily into real estate appraisal, and I was never a standout in math class. Just sitting around doing math problems over and over, with no real purpose to the questions was extremely monotonous. However, once I began to actually see a purpose and a reason to do math, and had a real reason to apply the knowledge to something concrete, it became much easier. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever believed I would use any math beyond basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but I do every day now.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I avoided math like the plague. I was forced to take Introduction to Algebra, which was the worst year of my life at the time. I later took Algebra I, which turned out to be even worse! Then geometry, which I loved! But still, math was math and that was all I was required to take, so that is all I took.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

Yes, I did have to learn some new skills to do my job; and in some cases I had to simply relearn what I had assumed I would have no reason to remember. Real estate appraisal obviously has roots in real estate, and just as much in finance, investments and banking as well. No basic public schooling teaches this type of math. Some math skills transfer well such as word problems, or some geometry, but much of what is needed is more complex financial based math that relates to business math, statistics, projections, finance, and investments.

Questions for Tim? Let me know, and I’ll see if he can squeeze in an answer between calculations.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Kathy, manufacturing company president

Can you imagine being the president of a twenty person manufacturing company–without math? Meet Kathy Keel, president of BSF, Inc. and let me tell you, she has to know her math. In her position, she must keep an eye on profitability, for her own benefit and the benefit of her employees. But for Kathy, the math goes even deeper. Let’s take a look.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I am the president and co-owner of a manufacturing company that makes a custom part for the hydraulic industry, called a pump-motor adaptor. My main duties on a daily basis involve managing all of the office employees, designing custom fit pump motor adaptors, editing all drawings done by other designers, costing the part, and processing orders. I also do a lot of customer service as well as troubleshooting problems, processing payroll, and managing human resource duties.

When do you use basic math in your job?

I use basic math while designing the parts to figure dimensions and angles needed for design features. We have to research the dimensions of each component being attached to the adaptor (pump, motor, and coupling usually). Then, we have to design the adaptor to fit those components. This requires fractions and decimals to figure adaptor dimensions and tolerances. I also use math during costing/pricing activities in order to determine what our cost is for manufacturing the part and what our selling price should be on the final part. This involves working with money, percentages, and markups. In addition, I use math when processing payroll.

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

I use a calculator, Microsoft Excel, and design programs such as Solidworks.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

I could not properly design an adaptor to fit the components without math, and I could not cost and price parts without math. Overall, I couldn’t run a company without math. I use it in almost every facet of my business to make sure that we are profitable.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I am somewhat comfortable with basic math only. I’m not comfortable at all with more complex math.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

One year of Algebra as a freshman.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

I had to learn to translate metric to English measurements and to equate fractions to decimals.

Have questions about Kathy’s company, their products, or her use of math skills at work? Let me know and I’ll be happy to check in with her.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: Chappy the fitness coach

Raise your hand if you’re trying to get in shape for swimsuit season or a wedding? (I’m raising my hand!) May is prime time for folks to either get more serious about fitness or fall off the wagon. But fitness coaches like Chappy Callanta can help us stay focused to the very end — and then keep toned and slender. His gym in the Phillippines, 360 Fitness Club, not only offers expertise but equipment and classes, too. And — you guessed it — Chappy uses math. Here’s how.

Can you explain what you do for a living?

I develop strength and conditioning as well as general fitness programs for my gym. It involves a lot of research, a lot of experimentation and of course a lot of exercise. I also train teams and personal clients. I help them lose weight, get stronger, achieve a specific goal like running a marathon or even manage special conditions. I also write for Yahoo Philippines as their resident fitness blogger, and I maintain my own blog. My passion is fitness and wellness, and my mission is to spread the good word of being healthy to as many people as I can.

When do you use basic math in your job?

All the time actually. I use math when we compute for ideal weights of clients, find the right training load, or determine the number of calories one needs to consume to achieve a weight loss goal. I use math whenever I design programs for my clients. One specific situation when I use simple math would be when dealing with a weight loss client. One pound of fat is 3,500 calories. If you want to lose weight at a rate of 1 pound of week (which is doable and not too hard), you will have to create a deficit of 3,500 calories per week. I present this to a client and break down how she will be able to do it. We divide it by 7 because there’s 7 days in a week. Then we divide it by 2 because you want to lose weight through exercise and diet. That leaves you with 250 calories that you have to lose via exercise, and 250 calories through your diet. We’re just subtracting 250 calories per day from her regular diet and adding 250 calories worth of exercise per day. We compute for this using the MET system (metabolic equivalent of tasks) which takes into account the weight of a person and multiply it to the corresponding MET value of a specific activity.

Calories Burned ÷ hour = Weight in KG • MET value

For example, I weigh 80kg. The MET value for jumping rope is 10Mets. So if I skip rope for 1 hour I will lose 800 calories. That means if I want to lose 250 calories, the equation is:

Time = 250 cal ÷ (800 cal ÷ 60) = 18.75 minutes

Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?

I usually don’t since I’m so used to it already. I write it down though on paper while I’m computing it so my clients see how the math works.

How do you think math helps you do your job better?

It helps me to explain how the body works and how easy it is to lose or gain weight by using basic math and applying it to food and exercise. I believe that every trainer should practice mental math, so it’s easier to compute for the right training volume and intensity, as well as using the right load for each exercise.

How comfortable with math do you feel?

I’m relatively comfortable with basic math. There really isn’t much calculus involved in my line of work. Most of it is basic arithmetic and operations. Geometry is also important when analyzing sports and the optimal angles of the joints for a specific activity. Research shows how the ankles, knees, and hips should be angled for example when diving off the high dive. It’s useful information and it’s pretty cool also.

What kind of math did you take in high school?

I took Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus. I enjoyed it until we got to calculus. My grades showed that I was good at it but I enjoyed Geometry the most.

Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?

It was something that I already knew but I felt that I needed to practice it more. I practiced the equations and mental math with my clients so that today, I’m confident that I can do basic operations off the top of my head.

Do you have questions for Chappy? Feel free to ask in the comments section, and I’ll let him know. Also, take a look at his blog, which features great, inspirational tips.

In Math at Work Monday

Math at Work Monday: What I’ve learned

It’s been a long while since I’ve posted a new Math at Work Monday interview. But this feature remains one of the most popular here at Math for Grownups. Perhaps that’s because teachers and parents like to prove to their kids, “See, you will use this stuff one day!” And I imagine that others stumble upon it while looking for career advice. At any rate, it’s been an eye-opening experience for me, too. And here are a few lessons learned.

People don’t know they’re doing math

I’ve intentionally focused on careers that are not traditionally STEM related — from a textile designerto an FBI profiler to a children’s book author. And almost everyone says the same thing: “I don’t use much math in my work.” Then they follow up with a revelation – they do more math than they think!

People do the math they want to do

This makes a lot of sense. Why go into a career that requires skills you don’t have? Those folks who really dislike calculus are most likely not going to become physicists. Folks who hate statistics avoid careers in research. And people who have a disdain for geometry aren’t likely to become carpenters or architects. At the same time, when someone feels drawn to a career, they’re willing to whatever it takes to be successful. That often includes a little bit of math.

People do a lot of mental math

While most folks I interview say that they check their work with a calculator or good old back-of-the-envelope calculations, a fair amount of math is being done in their heads. This may be as simple as using fractions to mix the perfect hair color to deconstructing formulas so that the math can be done in the field, say on a fish hatchery.

People also depend on technology

When it comes to money, especially, or critical situations, like healthcare, a computer, spreadsheet or calculator is often a necessary tool. But often these require a clear understanding of the math going on. It’s not enough to give someone some software. These folks must know how the math works in order to use their technological tools.

People often don’t have a good relationship with math

This is kind of sad to me, but it’s been very true: I rarely meet someone in a non-STEM field who says that they really understood math in school and now feel really confident in their skills. Yet, all of the folks I interview for Math at Work Monday do use math. That says to me that their issues with math are often in their head – and probably not really their fault. The reality is that our educational system and other adults often fail us in this regard. It’s not about making math fun. It’s about making math useful.

I’d like to keep Math at Work Monday going, but I need your help. Do you know someone who would be interested in being interviewed? Think of basic fields: home improvement, medicine, the arts, law, public service and more. Does your partner use math in his work? What about your next door neighbor or your sister? The answer is yes, and I’d like to interview them. Shoot me a line at llaing [at] comcast [dot] net, and I’ll reach out to them.

What have you learned from the Math at Work series? Have you been surprised by anything? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

P.S. I wanted to explain why I was so silent last week. Because of the horrific events in the U.S., I felt it would be trite to post about Math Awareness. Clearly our national attention was needed elsewhere, and so aside from a Boston-related post, I made the decision not to post. My thoughts continue to be with everyone in Boston and West, Texas.