Why Study Math? - The Polyhedron

This article will launch my new series in the Why Study Math? category. This will be the start of a fascinating series which show that mathematics is more than just a pain in the neck; indeed these essays will permit a fascinating peek into the world of this curiously strange discipline. We start in the land of geometry, where shapes and figures and their many properties drive students to the breaking point of insanity. Each article will feature a specific aspect of a particular branch of mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and each will endeavor to shed some light on how these fields are used in the real world. So come on board and enjoy the ride.

In the field of geometry, particularly as pertains to the high school geometry course, a student is introduced for the first time to the wonderful world of mathematical proofs. Often times students will be scratching their heads wondering why in the world they would be learning things as proving two triangles congruent or about the different properties of shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms, or even those solid figures called polyhedrons. What is not understood or even seen is that such shapes play a fundamental role in many areas of science and indeed nature.

For example, the helix structurethat winding pattern best typified by a spiral staircaseis the structure most abundant in nature. Watson and Crick, the scientists who won a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work with DNA, the genetic material responsible for heredity, showed that the very structure of the DNA molecule exhibited a double helix structure. Running a close second to the helix structure, we have those solids which are formed by regular pentagons and hexagons, those five and six sided figures. Because it is impossible to enclose space (in other words form a polyhedron ball) with just hexagons, it is necessary that pentagons be added to the mix. In fact 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons form the recipe for a nice type of polyhedron ball, which has come to be called a truncated icosahedron.

The soccer ball is the perfect real-life example of the truncated icosahedron. What is even more, many virusesthose potentially deadly nuisancesexhibit this structure. Viruses have outer shells called capsids that are often in the form of an icosahedron. And for those of you who are not familiar with chemistry, the eponymous buckey ball, is an organic molecule made mostly of carbon, which exhibits the soccer ball structure. In fact, chemists have now discovered a whole family of these soccer-ball-like molecules, which are called fullerenes. New and interesting discoveries are being made with these molecules and fascinating applications for their use in diverse fields as medicine and pharmacology are being researched.

Thus understanding geometryshapes, figures, and their related propertieshas profound implications for all of us. Just remember this the next time you go to fill a prescription for that drug which is going to kill that buckey-ball shaped virus that is wreaking havoc on your insides. For without understanding the very nature of the shapes of these viruses, chemists and pharmacologists would be at a loss in their attempt to battle these viral parasites. Stay tuned for more in my Why Study Math? series...

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Portable Air Conditioner Rentals

Air conditioners that can be made to move from one place to another on casters are called Portable Air Conditioners. These can be as large as window units, but they can be easily transported on their wheeled casters. Portable Air Conditioners find great use in industries, warehouses, temporary businesses, and more.

Some industrial warehouses are so large that they cannot be cooled by a single central cooling unit. Such spaces rent Portable Air Conditioners for their spot cooling needs. As their workers or machines move, the air conditioners can also be made to move along with them. Several machines in factories need such spot cooling. Even places where many computers are installed require cooling for their optimum use.

Portable Air Conditioners are specially designed for rough use; hence, their capacities are higher than the usual ones. Portable Air Conditioners with cooling capacities of 3.5 to 60 tons can be rented. They are available with both Freon and evaporation technology. Air conditioners that work on evaporation principles are more expensive to rent than Freon ones.

Portable Air Conditioners are also rented by organizers of functions and events such as weddings, live performances, football matches, and more. Rented air conditioners are placed at strategic positions so that there is an average cooling throughout the place. Once the program is finished, the air conditioner can just be wheeled away to the next location.

Vehicles on the move sometimes rent Portable Air Conditioners if they require cooling especially when there is some shipment aboard that requires cooling, such as perishable foods. Water transport vehicles such as boats and ships also find it easier to rent a Portable Air Conditioner for their cooling needs.

One can rent Portable Air Conditioners both on a long term and a short term basis. Factories require long term rentals their rentals can extend to a couple of months or even years. But social events may rent Portable Air Conditioners for a day or so. Depending on the type of air conditioner rented and the period for which it is rented, the cost may range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

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Surf's Up, It's a Beach Party!

Some of the best beach parties can happen in the Midwest, with temperatures below freezing. Sounds crazy? It is, but it is a memorable and fun way to celebrate a birthday, retirement or special occasion. Beach parties can happen in the summer too, near a pool or a lake in any region.

A beach party needs radical invitations, man! You can follow a surfer theme and use surfboard shapes or any beach theme motif from the party supply store. Other supplies like paper products for food and decorations can match your beach party motif.

Decorating can be fun. Buy plastic beach balls and blow them up to toss around your party, whether its inside or out. Buy an old fishing net and hang from the corner of one room. Fill it with sea creatures and marine life, or use it to put in pictures of the guest of honor. If your party is outside, truck in some sand for beach volleyball.

Use the sand and have a sandcastle competition. Give away personalized party favors to all the winners. Besides volleyball, other sand activities can be horseshoes, Frisbee and football. If there are kids at the party, bury a treasure and create a map for them to follow. Depending on their ages you can make it difficult or easy to find. Use a treasure chest and bury candy or plastic trinkets for them.

If your beach party is inside in the winter, have guests bring their swimsuits and change into them. Turn your thermostat really hot to get them in the mood. Heat and swimsuits will make everyone in a better mood and look forward to spring and summer.

Serve finger food and anything with a beach theme. Make surfer sandwiches or tidal wave macaroni salad. Use regular dishes but jazz them up with a title.

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