Importance of Mathematics in a Children’s Life
My last post explored mathematics, as seen in Australian Rules Football. Spring is upon us, so the cricket season is warming up. Cricket uses more complex mathematics and also concepts from the discipline of physics. So, if you have a child interested in cricket, here’s how to interest them in advanced mathematics.
Older primary school students can use cricket as a practical application of geometry, measurement and calculation. Scoring requires skill in addition, while Geometry applies in the shape and size of the pitch, ground and inner field markings. Measurement determines pitch length, distance from the pitch to the boundary, and the location of the fielders. A student who cannot add the score or measure the size of the pitch or ground needs the assistance of a Fruition tuition’s mathematics tutor.
Secondary students encounter increasingly complex mathematical concepts. Bowlers use multiple mathematical and physics principles in planning and delivering a ball. The bowler’s grip influences the ball’s trajectory, causing it to move off the seam, swing or spin. Other things influencing ball movement are atmospheric pressure, pitch moisture and humidity. A spin bowler can rotate the ball in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. A budding cricketer will benefit from the assistance of a maths or science tutor.
A bowler demonstrates trigonometry in the release of the ball from their hand. One point of the triangle is the proposed landing point, the second is the bowler’s landing foot, and the final point is the release point from the hand. A bowler may change any one of these points to confuse a batter. Consistent ball delivery to the desired point requires hours of practice. Working with a mathematics tutor at one of our affordable and local tutoring centres will develop consistent study habits for your student.
The physics principles demonstrated in cricket include acceleration, velocity, and trajectory, which are visible in the difference between fast, medium pace, and spin bowlers. The bowler’s run-up is indicative of what type of bowler they are. A fast bowler has a longer run-up than a spin bowler, creating a higher velocity and speed when the ball is released. It is not uncommon to see a bowler adjust the starting place for their run-up, ensuring that they create optimal outcomes. Likewise, upper secondary students can achieve optimal results from working with our reliable maths and physics tutors.
Batters use numerous calculations involving physics. Apart from developing eye-hand coordination and high visual acuity, a batter chooses the size and weight of their bat, their unique grip and stance to ensure that they optimise their chances of scoring runs. A skilled batter will advance, retreat, or move sideways according to their assessment of the bowler’s movements. A player uses mathematics consistently, albeit unconsciously, when planning either a bowling or batting move. The goal of mathematics and physics tutoring is to ensure a student processes information automatically.
Off the field, scorers, officials and commentators use formulae and statistics to analyse all aspects of a player’s performance. Run rates, over rates, partnerships are all calculated according to set formulae. Bowling coaches consider how many runs were scored against balls delivered to determine a bowler’s economy. A casual spectator will see numerous statistics displayed during a match. The most complex calculation is the Duckworth-Lewis formula for determining the amount of play remaining in a rain-interrupted one-day match. Any aspiring player can develop the skills required with the assistance of a mathematics tutor.