MTE1501 Assignment 4 2025 Due 31 August 2025

MTE1501 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
DUE 31 AUGUST 2025

Question 1: Mathematics in Society (20 marks)

1.1 Define mathematics using the three views presented in your study guide
(instrumentalist/toolbox, Platonist, and system view). Provide one real-life or classroom
example to illustrate each view. (6 marks)

Instrumentalist / Toolbox view
Mathematics is a set of facts, rules and skills used as tools to achieve some external end
(e.g. arithmetic to solve everyday problems). Example: teaching learners column addition
and using it to add shopping items or to calculate totals for a classroom bake sale.
(Learning Unit 1, 1.3; instrumentalist/toolbox view). (Unit 1, 1.3, p.2)

Platonist view
Mathematics is a static, unified body of knowledge; mathematical objects exist
independently of human thought and statements are objectively true or false. Example:
showing Grade 8 learners that the sum of interior angles of a triangle is 180° as an