How important is mathematics to real life? - Answers

In modern life, mathematics is not just important, it is absolutely critical for survival. None of our machines would work - including the computer on which you are reading this answer. Your house could not have been built without someone measuring the bits of wood and bricks and nails and screws that went into making it. Of course, no one could be paid without any measure of value and so you would not be able to buy anything either. Yes, if you were a troglodyte you might just about survive, but you would probably still have to barter with your neighbour: one lump of meat swapped for two sacks of wheat - or whatever the appropriate exchange rate is! Even at that basic a level of survival, you cannot be wholly self sufficient and so would need to trade (barter) and that requires conversion rates. Did someone use a mathematical term?