Every math teacher has heard at some point and probably often: What is the purpose of learning this math stuff? Almost every student in school dreads math classes because they see no real world applications, especially in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. The simple answer to why learn math and other similar math questions – computers.
For example the animation industry has become a teacher’s friend; animation uses computers which rely heavily on the application of advanced mathematics. Computer animation programmers must know algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. Without extensive knowledge of math applications in animation, movies would not have visually rich environments and characters that we see today.
Pixar, one of the leaders in movie computer animation, uses powerful supercomputers to perform geometric, algebraic, and calculus-based calculations to animate Pixar’s movie characters. These math-based calculations follow the laws of physics to simulate the dynamics of fabric, background, and character movement.
Even in the short life experiences of most students today, they have witnessed astronomical leaps in animation. For example, in Toy Story there was no water because of the lack of mathematical models to simulate water. In Finding Nemo, math-based computer models were able to simulate water and splash effects.
High School Math Classes
So how do high school math courses impact computer-based animation as seen in Finding Nemo?
- Algebra – creates special effects make images sparkle and shine.
- Geometry – provides animation basics to a movie through changing shapes, etc.
- Trigonometry – allows animators to rotate and move characters.
- Calculus – provides the ability to create light in scenes.
Computer-Based Animation
Advances in computer technology and geometry applications continue to revolutionize the animation business. Animated characters continue to become more lifelike and achieve effects that follow the laws of physics. Because of the advanced mathematical applications in animation, hand drawn work is becoming an art of the past.
When Pixar develops a new animated movie, it takes their computers up to five or six hours to produce one 1/24th of a second of movie time. To produce one full second, it takes their computers six days. All this would not be possible without computer programmers who know and understand advanced math.
Making Connections in Math
Pixar is not the only one to use computer-based animation with mathematical models. Companies that produce games for computers, X-Box, Playstation, Wii, and others rely heavily on their programmers’ knowledge of math to develop these games.
Movie companies rely on computer animation in movies. Actors that seem to perform stunts that defy the laws of physics actually perform their parts in front of a green screen. Then a computer inserts the actors’ images into a computer program of the scenes. This is only possible due to the abilities of computer programmers who stuck with math when they were in school.
So when a student asks, why learn algebra or other math subjects, math teachers now have examples of how math is used every day. Without math, everyone would still be watching movies with stick figures moving one frame at a time and their favorite characters would have to comply with the laws of physics.
To support students understanding the need for math in everyday applications, introduce a Math Fair in your class(es) for engaging them. April is math awareness month and holding a math fair is good way to help students answer their own questions about the importance of learning math.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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