Why learn math?

If a kid ask you, "Why learn math?", how do you answer this question?

It is because math is fun? Math is useful? Math is the mother of science? Or the teacher asks you to learn, so you have to?

SHERMAN K. STEIN, Professor of Mathematics at the University of California, Davis, in his book Strength in Numbers: Discovering the Joy and Power of Mathematics in Everyday Life says, math is much more than "a collection of procedures to calculate numbers." It is an essential tool with which to understand the world around us.

When the child come to this world and begin to develop the relationship with the world, Mathematics, is the big elephant that they can ride on and discover the unknown field. It's also a good tool they can observe, explore and understand this world.

So, you can ask your kid instead, "what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Architects? They must know how to calculate loads and find applicable materials.
Biologists? They analyze collected data during research and record statistical information.
Programmers? They must have strong logic skills to write the code and solve the problems.
Engineers? They use algebra and geometry to build products like automobiles, computers and machines.
Lawyers ? They have to prove theorems and properties using deductive logic and make decision by complicated case study.
Physician? They need analyze the data to diagnosing disease, calculate appropriate amounts of medicine.
Politicians? They need to know economic numbers, the impact of interest rates, and how budget deficits affect trade.