In school, we are taught mathematics. 2+2=1 and all of that jazz. Unfortunately, we are never taught that outside of things like money, maths is purely theoretical with no true basis in reality. Money, obviously, is very clear cut on what is one cent and what is not. In things like measurements in engineering or architecture or whatever, there is no such things as precisely one inch; you may have to look closely or have an aide to help you see better, but it is impossible for something to be one inch. In geometry, if you try to calculate the measurements of a triangle using two sides, you'll never be able to get a correct answer (in reality) because the measurements they give you aren't correct.
The way maths are taught in schools is great for learning formulae and practice the best ways for you to get an answer, but it really needs to be emphasized how truly incorrect the assertions they give you are once you get passed the formulae. It's frustrating when people don't understand why buildings fall when an earthquake happens or the wind is too strong or are hit too hard. Realistically, with the imperfect calculations we make using very rounded numbers (typically not smaller than 1/100), it isn't surprising at the poor infrastructure of our buildings. If we were precise enough in our measurements and our calculations to the nearest 1/100000000000 for everything we built, everything would be much more stable and sturdy. I realize that requires a lot more work, but wouldn't you think that using some effort would be more than worthwhile when creating the things we live in and use daily? Eh, I guess I am a dreamer, after all.
As an addendum, we are never explained the reasons for certain mathematical theories or procedures, like a negative number multiplied by a negative number equaling a positive number. This certainly doesn't work in the real world (like with money), or physics or chemistry.
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