Question 15
ComprehensionJAMB 1985 Passage III: Mathematics as an art
Mathematics is the language in which the Book of Nature is written: Mathematics is the queen of the Sciences. It is universally agreed that Mathematics is the backbone of Science and Technology. For without Mathematics the engineer is but an artist or a scultptor. He can build his bridge, attest to its form and beauty, but without Mathematics he cannot guarantee its reliability to serve the purpose for which it is built. Mathematics is indeed the science of sciences. It is also art of all arts. It is right, legitimate and defensible to consider Mathematics as an Art. The poet, the musician, the artist and the mathematician have a lot in common. Fundamental to all their studies and works is their common interest in the logical study of related concepts and objects form patterns which will produce beauty, harmony and order. Thus the poet arranges words to produce a pattern called poetry: the musician arranges sounds to produce a pattern called music, the artist arranges colours to produce pattern called painting and the mathematician arranges abstract ideas into a pattern, using symbols, to produce equations. Each of these patterns — the poem, the music, the painting and the equation must stand up to the test of some order, harmony and beauty. So if Mathematics is not an art what is art?
Mathematics can be considered as a form of art because
- A.its main principle is made use of by the arts
- B.it involves drawing of figures
- C.it is a form of Fine Arts
- D.it is a type of Graphic Arts
- E.it also involves a study of beauty harmory and order.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: E (it also involves a study of beauty harmory and order.)
Explanation
The writer says the poet, musician, artist and mathematician all make patterns that must stand the test of order, harmony and beauty. Because Mathematics also involves this study of beauty, harmony and order, it can be called an art.