i think math is important in regards to the general public because we use it all the time, even in small ways. trying to guess whether or not you have enough cereal at home to skip on buying it this week is a form of math--estimation. i like math because it gives me a sense of satisfaction, every time i correctly finish a problem. i like math because it follows a logical procession; i like math because i'm somewhat comforted by the repetitive nature of it. i think it's a nice way to engage my mind without having to think too deeply because, as i've learned it, math is just rules and exceptions and it makes sense for me.
