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Questions tagged [applications]

The [application] tag is meant for questions about applications of mathematical concepts and theorems to a more practical use (e.g. real world usage, less-abstract mathematics, etc.)

25 votes
5 answers
4k views

What are some applications of Chebotarev Density Theorem?

Let $L/K$ be a Galois extension of number fields and let $\mathcal{C}$ be a conjugacy class in $Gal(L/K)$. Let $\mathbb{P}(K)$ be the set of all prime ideals in $K$ and let $\left(\frac{L/K}{\mathfrak{...
user2902293's user avatar
  • 2,679
25 votes
14 answers
27k views

What are some applications of Mathematics to the medical field?

This semester I'm charged with finding a senior capstone project for next year. I've given it a lot of thought and can't seem to find any interesting ideas that are appropriate for my level of ...
25 votes
5 answers
9k views

Why does the Elo rating system work?

The Elo rating system is used to rank players in games such as chess. I can find plenty of explanations online of how to compute someone's Elo rating, how to actually crunch the numbers in practice, ...
Jack M's user avatar
  • 28k
24 votes
1 answer
3k views

StarCraft II: Ladder math

At the Blizzcon 2010, StarCraft II multiplayer panel, this stuff was supposed to explain the ladder matchmaking system. I look at this and go eh? what!? Is any of this real? or are they just messing ...
John Leidegren's user avatar
23 votes
10 answers
3k views

What are the most prominent uses of transfinite induction outside of set theory?

What are the most prominent uses of transfinite induction in fields of mathematics other than set theory? (Was it used in Cantor's investigations of trigonometric series?)
Michael Hardy's user avatar
22 votes
4 answers
1k views

"Casual" mathematical facts with practical consequences

Some mathematical facts -be them approximations or not- can be described as coincidences, without any deeper meaning in themselves, but leading to relevant practical consequences. I was thinking in ...
leonbloy's user avatar
  • 64.4k
22 votes
5 answers
94k views

How does linear algebra help with computer science?

I'm a Computer Science student. I've just completed a linear algebra course. I got 75 points out of 100 points on the final exam. I know linear algebra well. As a programmer, I'm having a difficult ...
Billie's user avatar
  • 3,470
22 votes
6 answers
6k views

Real world uses of homotopy theory

I covered homotopy theory in a recent maths course. However I was never presented with any reasons as to why (or even if) it is useful. Is there any good examples of its use outside academia?
user avatar
22 votes
5 answers
2k views

What do physicists mean when they say something is "not a vector"?

It's common for physicists to say that not every 3-tuple of real numbers is a vector: “Well, isn’t torque just a vector?” It does turn out to be a vector, but we do not know that right away without ...
SRobertJames's user avatar
  • 4,450
21 votes
4 answers
4k views

Applications of Gröbner bases

I would like to present an application of Gröbner bases. The audience is a class of first year graduate students who are taking first year algebra. Does anyone have suggestions on a specific ...
Mykie's user avatar
  • 7,137
21 votes
3 answers
9k views

What is the purpose of K-Theory?

I have recognized that there is a theory called K-Theory in mathematics is used also for applications in mathematical physics. There is existing algebraic K-Theory and topological K-Theory. Are ...
kryomaxim's user avatar
  • 2,910
21 votes
5 answers
34k views

Real life applications of general vector spaces

Students familiar with Euclidean space find the introduction of general vectors spaces pretty boring and abstract particularly when describing vector spaces such as set of polynomials or set of ...
matqkks's user avatar
  • 2,910
21 votes
4 answers
4k views

Applications for Homology

The Question: Are there any ways that "applied" mathematicians can use Homology theory? Have you seen any good applications of it to the "real world" either directly or indirectly? Why do I care? ...
user avatar
20 votes
8 answers
45k views

What is the real life use of hyperbola? [closed]

The point of this question is to compile a list of applications of hyperbola because a lot of people are unknown to it and asks it frequently.
Neer's user avatar
  • 674
20 votes
7 answers
49k views

Applications of the Mean Value Theorem

What are some interesting applications of the Mean Value Theorem for derivatives? Both the 'extended' or 'non-extended' versions as seen here are of interest. So far I've seen some trivial ...
Cam's user avatar
  • 1,398

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