Just like the last post, I will ask some questions for you to answer. To answer the questions, please write a comment in which you address each question from this post. You might find that you need to use the internet (i.e. a Google search) to find extra information to help you answer the questions! Suggestion: write your response first in Microsoft Word, then copy and paste it into a comment on the blog---this way, any issues with the internet will not cause you to lose your typing. As usual, please respond in complete sentences that are specific and have any necessary supporting details! Some of these questions will center on math, while others will not.
Ercolano (Herculaneum)
Today we visited some ancient Roman ruins of a town called Ercolano (Herculaneum in English). This town was quickly destroyed in the year 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted suddenly. Unlike the more famous town of Pompeii which got covered in ash, Ercolano was covered in a thick mud that turned to stone and nearly perfectly preserved the town and everything in it, including organic materials that usually decompose or disintegrate such as wood and rope. The most interesting fact I learned at the Ercolano ruins was that the sea is now 700 meters farther away from the town than it was prior to the eruption in 79. This is because the eruption was so massive and violent that it sent mud, rocks, and ash in such great volume that sea level was pushed back. Research three facts about Mt. Vesuvius that you find interesting.
A Comma or a Period?
One thing that I've noticed while here is that numbers are expressed a little bit differently. I was buying a snack the other day, and the price tag said 1,50 euros. At first I thought the decimal must just look like a comma, but the more I looked around, the more I realized that there were commas in all of the prices instead of decimal points. After further observation, I noticed that larger numbers were expressed with periods where we use commas! For example, instead of writing three-thousand as 3,000, it would be expressed here in Italy as 3.000, and six and a half would be 6,5 instead of 6.5. Which way of expressing numbers is more logical? Why? Consider the purpose of a comma versus a period in grammar.
Something else I've noticed is how the floors are numbered in buildings--it's done in a way that really makes sense! The floor you enter on is floor 0, then it counts up as you go up a level, and counts back into the negatives as you go down a level. I am staying two levels below the entry level, so I am on floor -2 in this hotel!
When in Rome...
As we get ready for the last part of the trip in Rome, I am very excited to see some sites here. I have been to Rome once before, but there is so much to see that I can't wait to do it again! I hope to see the Vatican and its museums, including the famous Sistine Chapel. Also on my list of sites to see are the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Forum, to name a few. Use the internet to find a tourist map of Rome. Can you make an estimate of how far I might walk if I walk between all these sites?Do you need to do the math?
Based on what you've read in these blog posts, as well as perhaps your own personal experience, do you think it is important to have a basic understanding of math when traveling? Why or why not? Write at least 3-5 sentences elaborating on this question!
Research three facts about Mt. Vesuvius that you find interesting.
ReplyDelete1. The People that lived around it in 79 AD had no clue it was a volcano.
2. It’s the only mainland volcano in Europe.
3. It was measured to be about 30 miles around the base.
Which way of expressing numbers is more logical? Why
?
I think that using periods in smaller numbers and commas in bigger numbers is more logical because with larger numbers if you were to use a period, it separates the number more abruptly and using commas in smaller numbers would make the number continue instead of stopping before the decimal.
Can you make an estimate of how far I might walk if I walk between all these sites?
Wouldn’t you have to tell us your starting point or the order you went to these sites?
Do you think it is important to have a basic understanding of math when traveling? Why or why not?
I think that it is important to understand math when traveling to different places because you plan to do that require basic math. You might want to travel to certain areas and need to find the distance in between these areas or maybe exchange a certain amount of money and need to know the exchange rate. Also, the way that people use numbers or the numbers that they use could change depending on the place. As you showed, other places may use certain ways to keep time or display numbers such as with 24-hour time or switching commas with periods when showing numbers. It is for those reasons that I think you need to have a basic understanding of math when and before traveling.
Some interesting facts about Mt. Vesuvius: the continuous eruption of the volcano lasted almost a day! The majority of the population ran to the volcano for safety, no knowing that it was the cause. Pompeii is now most likely really fertile for plants, as volcanic ash and remains have really good ingredients for the plant to build themselves out of. Personally, I think that our way, here in America, is a bit more logical, as commas create a break in a sentence, whereas a period just ends it. I think that having the comma in between a continuous number, such as 1,000 is better than a kind of ending, and the decimal places are kind of like a new number, I think it would be best if we put commas in both situations, but that would be a bit confusing. I estimate that going to the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Forum, would be about 2.6 miles. As for the question on math knowledge to traveling… of course! if you want to figure out times and distances quickly in your head, that would be useful! it sure is a lot easier than looking it up, and it’s more personalized to your schedule.
ReplyDelete(Lucy!)
ReplyDeleteHerculaneum was also destroyed by the 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, but instead of being buried by the ash it was vaporised by the heat of the eruption. Pliny the Elder died in the 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and we get ‘Plinian column’ from him. We get the word ‘volcano’ from the Roman god Vulcan, who was said to be the god of blacksmiths whose forges were at the centers of mountains.
Our way of expressing numbers seems more logical. The period shows a total end in the sentence, and separates two sentences from each other, just as a decimal point shows an end in the whole numbers and separates the whole numbers from the decimals. In really large numbers like 5,500, the comma is meant to show that the number doesn’t stop there, but takes a pause.
You would walk approximately 10.1 kilometers between all those sites.
Of course it’s important to have a basic understanding of math while traveling! Let’s say you’re from California, but you’re living in China for a month. If you can’t do math to figure out the time differences, you won’t know whether it’s 4 in the morning at home, and therefore an inappropriate time to Skype your husband. Or you want to take a hike, but your daughter isn’t feeling too hot and she can only handle a few hundred meters, so you choose a course that’s 300 meters. But wait! You need to do the math in order to figure out whether it’ll be too long when you factor in elevation, round trips, etc. If you can’t do math, you can’t get by in a foreign country.
1 I learned that mt.vesuvius is the most densely populated volcano which means, a lot of people live near it. I also learned that mt.Vesuvius is still active and is one of the worlds most dangerous volcanoes. I also learned that when vesuvius destroyed pompeii it released 100 thousand times the amount of thermal energy the hiroshima bomb did.
ReplyDelete2 I think that the u.s way of pricing tags is better because commas are used to separate a different thought and normally thoughts are long so I think using a comma to separate big numbers is good. I also think that the period in grammar separates two sentences and I fell like a period in math does the same things except instead of sentences it’s wholes and parts of wholes.
3 If you were to travel to all 6 locations in Rome you had planned to you would most likely travel about 8.7km. (thank you google maps)
4 I think that some of these questions you wouldn’t normally need to know a lot of math for or knowing the math wouldn’t be necessary. However overall I think it is necessary to have a good understanding of math because for some questions like: knowing what time it is in one place or the other, how long of a distance the travel would be, and how much time it would take to get all these things done could be very important. I think that for those kind of questions you need math because you might need a schedule or an estimate of something like how much a meal will cost and the only way to get those is by doing the math. However if you have the internet or some device or a watch you could always use those to do the math for you. All in all I think using math is the easiest and cheapest way to answer questions like those and have an easy well planned out vacation.
Three interesting facts that i found about Vesuvius are that it caused a cloud that rained rocks, it has erupted 25+ more times after 79 A.D., and despite all of this there are around 3 million people living there now.
ReplyDeleteI think that the way we place commas in numbers in America is more logical, because the periods in the number kind of gives the feeling that the number has stopped midway, but the commas just create pauses so that it puts emphasis on the size of the number.
If you wanted to walk from each attraction in Rome to the next, starting at the Sistine Chapel, then moving to the Pantheon, then to the Trevi Fountain and finally at the Coliseum, the traveling would take 1 hour and 10 minutes by foot.
I think that a lot of math is pretty important when you are traveling, especially with things like time and money. You will probably be on a budget when you are traveling, so you want to know how much you are spending, and if you are on a schedule, time is an important factor to account for when you are travelling so that you know what you can and cannot do on your trip. Accounting for distance is important as well, because if you are walking a very long way, you might want to know that beforehand before you actually start walking so that you can think of a way not to tire yourself out. Math probably makes traveling a whole lot easier.
-Daniel
Mt. Vesuvius is a stratovolcano. It is one of several Volcanoes which form the Campanian volcanic arc. The eruption upon Pompeii released a hundred thousand times the thermal energy released by the Hiroshima bombing.
ReplyDeleteI think the American way is more logical, because the Comma shows that the number keeps going, like in writing, and the decimal stops numbers from going on.
Google maps say you would do about 10.4 Km.
Yes, I think it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of math. Based on these blog posts, it is helpful because you need to figure out time differences, pizza proportions, money conversion, and other stuff.
-Sigfried Fullenkamp
When MT Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD there was 1.5 million tons of lava spewing out of it every second
ReplyDelete16,000 people lost their lives
The last major eruption was March 1944
For us it is more logical to use a comma for notations such as 3,000 than a period because a comma signifies a short stop but a period represents a barrier between sentences .
Using google maps I got 8.7 kilometers walking distance
Yes I think math is very important for traveling (it is for pretty much anything). You need to be able to calculate layovers, distances, pricings, how many sandwiches you should bring. It doesn’t just have to be linear equations or whatever. Counting is math too.
The first fact is that mount vesuvius is still an active volcano and last erupted in 1944, the second fact about mount vesuvius is that the explosion on 94 BCE was a Plinian explosion and the third fact is that the hole in mount vesuvius started to form 17000 years ago.
ReplyDeleteIts makes sense because in grammar we use periods for the long clauses and for the shorter clauses we use commas so its make sense to use it in math and numbers
Well if you go to site by site the way you list them then that will be about 28 hours if you are walking .
It depends on the situation like if you are planning your own trip then, you will need a basic understanding on math. But on the other hand, if you are on like a planned trip with others and you didn't plan then, It doesn't matter if you know math or not. Another way, It always good to know math but you don't have to know.
-Tariq Fuller
1.My first interesting fact is that on the day of Vesuvius’ eruption, the volcano fumed out pulverized pumice and molten rock at a rate of 1.5 million tons per second, releasing a hundred thousand times the thermal energy of the Hiroshima bombing. Secondly, the term “Plinian column” came directly from Pliny the Younger’s description of the event that described a tall column of ash and pumice coming from the volcano looking like a pine tree, because of this, similar eruptions around the world are also called Plinian eruptions. Finally, Mt.Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world as a population of 3,000,000 people live nearby the volcano, meaning that a large amount of casualties would occur if the volcano erupted anywhere near the way it did back in 79 A.D.
ReplyDelete2. I believe the Italian way of writing numbers is much more efficient because the commas in the smaller numbers (such as 6,5) read 6 and a half because in the english language commas are used in lists in order to avoid the “and…...and….and,” while the period in larger numbers (3.000) is simple to understand because of the decimal value of the 0 (thousandths) at the end of the number, which could easily be read as 3 thousandths. though it may seem confusing, it is a very good way of making values work.
3.2.6 km from Vatican to the Pantheon. 650.0 m from the Pantheon to the Trevi fountain. 1.5 km from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum. 1.0 km from the Colosseum to the Forum. 2,600+650+1,500+1,000=5,750 Meters total.
4.Yes, you must always have a basic understanding of math in order to do all things traveling, whether finding a cheaper priced drink by using linear equations using the distance from the main square as the x-value and the price as the y, or even finding out how much your total bill is for a dinner in Rome, it is wise to have this so that you don't end up paying too much or having to spend a night in Italian jail for not having enough euros because you miscalculated the equivalent of one euro to U.S. dollars. Be wise and be prepared to face all kinds of math exploring the world!!!!
Mt. Vesuvius facts
ReplyDeleteIt is the only active volcano on mainland Europe. It is best known because of the eruption in A.D. 79 that destroyed the city of Pompeii.
Mount Vesuvius is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to the large population of the city of Naples and the surrounding towns on the slopes nearby.
In the past, Mount Vesuvius has had a roughly 20-year eruption cycle, but the last serious eruption was in 1944.
Which way of expressing numbers is more logical? Why?
I think that the difference between the ways of expressing numbers doesn't matter all that much we have our way and they have their way why should we question it?
sorry I couldn’t answer them all i ran out of time
Roksana Cerne 10/10/14
ReplyDeleteI think three interesting facts about Mt Vesuvius are one that it is the largests still active volcano on the mainland of Europe. Then two because it is not the only volcano in its area because the plates beneath it have caused many other volcanoes in its surroundings. And finally I think it is cool because when it erupted in 79 A.D even though it sadly wiped out a population which it terrible it did preserve everything quite well making it so we all can learn about it today but I never said it is good all those people died for knowledge because that will never be good in any situation.
The way with the periods is just a little more logical because it is a little easier to learn. Because in everything I know periods signify the end or near end in numbers as well as sentences because in a sentence a period it the end of the whole thing or the end of one and the beginning of another. Just like in numbers periods signify the end of a whole number and the beginning of the decimals. Were as in their situation it seems that you have to learn when and where it put a period or a comma which is a little more complicated.
When I did the math I found out that you would have to walk approximately 5,815 meters or about 5.815 kilometers if you wanted to travel through all these sites in the order of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, the Colosseum, and finally the Forum.
After this yes it is very important to have a basic understanding of Math when traveling because of how you have to find distances and keep track of the time. Also you must calculate how much money you need which is very important if you want to keep a budget or to make sure you have enough money for everything you plan to do on this trip. You could even need math to calculate when something happened in history like if someone told you a volcano erupted there 4000 years ago and you wanted to find the exact year you would have to do a whole lot of math. In conclusion yes math is very important when traveling for many reasons some being the ones I listed earlier.
Research three facts about Mt. Vesuvius that you find interesting.
ReplyDelete-The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 released a cloud of stones, ash, and fumes to a height of 33 km (20.5 mi), spewing molten rock and pulverized pumice at the rate of 1.5 million tons per second. (THAT’S A LOT!!!)
-Mt. Vesuvius has erupted over 50 times during the past 2,000 years...that’s an average of at least one explosion every 40 years. (THAT IS A REALLY ACTIVE VOLCANO…)
-Most rocks that have erupted from Vesuvius are andesite; andesite lava creates explosive eruptions which makes Vesuvius especially dangerous and unpredictable. (I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE LIVE NEAR THAT VOLCANO...)
Which way of expressing numbers is more logical? Why? Consider the purpose of a comma versus a period in grammar.
It is more logical to express numbers using periods instead of commas because:
Commas are often used to help express larger numbers in a sensible way (e.g. 1000000000 = 1,000,000,000). For decimals, however, a period is used to show the difference between a number and a fraction of the number (e.g. 4.2358). However, if the decimal point was replaced by a comma, the number either would become a bigger number or not make very much sense at all. (e.g. 4.245 - 4,245...OR….4.2358 - 4,2358).
In grammar, commas generally make sentences more organized and easier to read. Periods mark where one sentence ends before another begins.
Can you make an estimate of how far I might walk if I walk between all these sites?
If you visit these sites in the following order (using the shortest, most direct walking routes that are provided on Google-maps for “Rome Tourist Attractions”)…
Vatican Museums to Sistine Chapel (1.8 km)
Sistine Chapel to Pantheon (2.6 km)
Pantheon to Trevi Fountain (650 m) 0.65 km
Trevi Fountain to Roman Forum (1.1 km)
Roman Forum to Colosseum (1.0 km)
....I estimate that you will travel about 7.15 km (4.4 mi.).
Based on what you've read in these blog posts, as well as perhaps your own personal experience, do you think it is important to have a basic understanding of math when traveling?
When you are traveling, I think that it is very important to be capable of using math as you go along. When you don’t know your way around a particular city very well, it is very helpful if you can calculate the distances between different places so you can estimate how far you need to go, what transportation would be helpful, and how much time it would take. If you are in a foreign country and you don’t know the language very well, it would be nice if you could travel without having to search for someone whom you were able to talk with and ask questions. Also, when traveling, your schedule is really busy! Being able to plan out your day by knowing exactly when you will leave and arrive at a destination can make your experience a lot better =)
ReplyDelete1 Some cool facts about mount Vesuvius are that it is part of the Campanian volcanic arc a group of volcanos. Also it is the largest volcano on the continent of Europe and erupted last in 1944.
2 I think that the period is the better choice because it tells you that the value changes to a decimal. Also I grew up knowing it like that so I have a byas.
3 You would probably walk about 9.8 miles to see some of the most famous sites in Rome.
4 I think that it is important to have a good understanding of math when you travel because you might want to do something that lasts 2 hours but the last bus from the attraction leaves at 2:00. And if you want to check that what they charged you for your meal. Or how far the airport is so you know how much time to allow to get to the airport. All in all math is an important skill to have when traveling.
Joshua Nixon
ReplyDelete10/10/14
Research three facts about Mt. Vesuvius that you find interesting.
1.Mt. Vesuvius buried three cities
2.It erupted in 79 C.E.
3.I saw it and it was huge
Which way of expressing numbers is more logical? Why?
I think the comma is more logical because it means, in grammar, to take a pause and then keep on going.
Can you make an estimate of how far I might walk if I walk between all these sites?
~2 miles
Based on what you've read in these blog posts, as well as perhaps your own personal experience, do you think it is important to have a basic understanding of math when traveling? Why or why not? Write at least 3-5 sentences elaborating on this question!
Yes you would need math for multiple reasons when traveling: there could be a currency exchange; also you need to figure out how much you need, money wise. You will also need to have a schedule so you can figure out what things you can do. Finally, you need to find out how much you need walk, drive, or fly so you can make the schedule to make the plan.