Mathematics and Statistics

1. Some Major Branches of Mathematics
2. National Board of Higher Mathematics
3. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad
4. Courses in Mathematics
5. Specialised Courses in Mathematics
6. Distance Learning Courses in Mathematics
7. Department of Statistics
8. Indian Statistical Service
9. Indian Statistical Institute
10. Courses in Statistics (M.A./M.Sc.)
11. Course in Operations Research

Some Major Branches Of Mathematics

Arithmetic deals with numbers (whole numbers, fractions, decimals) and the fundamental operations (addition, subtracting, multiplication, division) and the extension of these (raising to powers and extracting roots). Arithmetic is sometimes called the “art of computation”.

Algebra involves the operations of arithmetic, but unlike arithmetic it is not limited to work with specific numbers. Algebra uses equations to solve problems in which letters, such as x and y, represent unknown quantities. Algebraic operations also use negative numbers and imaginary number (square roots of negative numbers).

Geometry is concerned with the properties and relationships of figures in space. Plane geometry deals with squares, circles, and other figures that lie on a plane. Solid geometry, on the other hand, involves such figures as cubes and spheres, which have three dimensions.

Analytical Geometry is the study of geometry, through algebraic equation as a line or a graph. It also makes it possible to write equations that exactly describe many curves. For example, the equation x=y² describes a curve called parabola. About 300 BC, Euclid, a Greek mathematician stated the definitions and assumptions of the systems of geometry that describe the world as it is usually experienced it. However, later mathematicians have rejected some of these assumptions. Topology which has been developed in the 20^th century belongs to this branch of analytical geometry.

Trigonometry is used widely by astronomers, navigators and surveyors to calculate angles and computing distances when direct measurement is not possible. The trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant) can be defined as the ratios of length of sides of right triangles.

Calculus have many practical applications in engineering, physics, and other sciences. It provides a way of solving problems that involve motion or changing qualities. Differential calculus seeks to determine the rate at which a varying quantity changes. Integral calculus tries to find a quantity when the rate which it is changing is known. Calculus is considered a branch of analysis.

Analysis involves various mathematical operations with infinite quantities and infinitestimals.

Probability is the study of the likelihood of events and is used to determine the chances that an uncertain event may occur. For example, using probability, it is possible to calculate the chances that three tossed coins will all turn up heads.

Statistics is the branch of mathematics concerned with the collection and analysis of large bodies of data to identify trends and overall patterns. It relies heavily on probability.

Set theory deals with the nature and relations of sets. A set is a collection of items which may be numbers, ideas or objects.

Logic is a branch of philosophy that deals with rules of correct reasoning. Mathematics is based on logical reasoning. Mathematicians have developed symbolic logic, a formal system of reasoning that uses mathematical symbols and methods.