USE OF MATHEMATICS IN DAILY LIFE: A REVIEW OF PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS, MATHEMATICAL LITERACY AND EMERGING TRENDS

Mathematics is an essential part of daily life, even when its presence is not explicitly recognized. Budgeting, shopping, cooking, measurement, travel, health information, agriculture, business, technology and civic participation all involve mathematical ideas. Arithmetic supports routine calculations; algebra represents relationships; geometry supports measurement and construction; statistics and probability help interpret uncertainty; and mathematical modelling connects real-world situations with structured reasoning. The modern concept of mathematical literacy appropriately emphasizes the ability to formulate, employ, interpret and evaluate mathematics in real-world situations [1,2]. The increasing use of digital tools does not reduce the need for mathematical understanding. Instead, it increases the importance of choosing appropriate models, interpreting outputs, checking assumptions and recognizing uncertainty. Recent evidence concerning financial and digital literacy further demonstrates the practical value of quantitative knowledge [5–7]. For education, the central implication is clear: mathematics should be taught not only as a system of procedures but also as a language for understanding and managing everyday situations. Real-life tasks, data-based investigations, financial examples, measurement activities and technology-supported modelling can help learners connect mathematical concepts with their own experiences. Developing such mathematical literacy can contribute to more informed personal decisions, effective participation in society and readiness for a data-rich future.

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