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Difference Between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics for Class 11th and 12th CBSE
April 25, 2024
Summary: Mathematics is an essential subject across all boards of education in India. CBSE and other board students must know the difference between applied mathematics and mathematics, which is crucial in selecting either one for their CBSE class 11th and 12th!
The Central Board of Secondary Education introduced applied mathematics as one of the optional subjects in the CBSE class 11 and class 12 curriculum.
To keep studying maths, you must choose between applied mathematics and mathematics.
This post provides detailed information about the difference between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics.
Difference Between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics
Mathematics helps students to explore future career options after graduating from school. It has been observed that the mathematics syllabus, which is meant for science students, is not very helpful for students pursuing commerce or humanities streams. Hence, CBSE has added applied mathematics to the academic syllabus as an elective subject.
Mathematics helps you to acquire knowledge and critical understanding and to develop a positive attitude to think, analyze, and think logically. In contrast, Applied mathematics enables you to understand essential mathematical and statistical tools and their applications in the Commerce and social sciences field.
Check the difference between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics:
| Feature | Applied Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Focus | Solves real-world problems across various fields | Develops and explores underlying mathematical principles and theories |
| Applications | Physics, Engineering, Finance, Computer Science, Biology, Economics | Abstract problems within mathematics itself |
| Skills Used | Strong foundation in core mathematics, computational skills, and ability to model real-world phenomena | Problem-solving, logical reasoning, proof construction |
| Courses | Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Operations Research, Mathematical Modelling | Abstract Algebra, Topology, Real Analysis, Number Theory |
| Outcome | Practical solutions to real-world problems | Deeper understanding of mathematical structures and relationships |
Check: CUET Exam Pattern 2023
Difference Between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Topics
The mathematics syllabus is aligned very well to help you with the science stream. In contrast, the applied mathematics syllabus aligns with those who choose the commerce, science, or humanities stream.
You can compare Mathematics & Applied Mathematics topics from the table below to better understand their differences.
| Mathematics | Applied Mathematics |
| Sets and Functions | Numbers, Quantification and Numerical Applications |
| Algebra | Algebra |
| Coordinate Geometry | Mathematical Reasoning |
| Calculus | Calculus |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Probability |
| Statistics and Probability | Descriptive Statistics |
| Relations and Functions | Basics of Financial Mathematics |
| Vectors | Coordinate Geometry |
| Three Dimensional Geometry | Inferential Statistics |
| Linear programming | Index Numbers and Time-based data |
| Linear Programming | |
| Financial Mathematics |
Check: CUET Syllabus 2023
Difference Between Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics Applications
Pure mathematics is used to solve mathematics-related problems, and applied mathematics is used to answer questions related to various fields, such as physics, biology, economics, etc.
The problems and theorems that directly challenge pure mathematics can appear in fields such as algebra, geometry, number theory, differential or integral calculus, etc. In contrast, applied mathematics adopts problem solutions or proven theorems to apply them in other fields such as physics, biology, business, etc.
Mathematics is crucial in understanding and exploring physics and engineering concepts. Applied mathematics includes numerical analysis, information theory, continuous modelling, game theory, and cryptography.
Pure mathematics involves using pure numbers, while applied mathematics involves quantities such as numerical values and units of measurement. Applied mathematics has practical applications in day-to-day life, while pure mathematics is the study of principles without much practical application.
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Difference Between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Career Options
Let's look at the detailed career options for pure and applied mathematics and choose the one that best suits your interests in CBSE classes 11 and 12.
Applied Mathematics
If you opt for applied mathematics in your secondary education school, you can pursue graduation, business, science, etc.. You can enter into the following fields with mathematics -
| Career | Average Fresher Salary |
| Accountant | ₹1.2 Lakhs |
| Computer programmer | ₹1.0 Lakhs |
| Engineer | ₹4.3 Lakhs |
| Investment manager | ₹2.8 Lakhs |
| Lawyer | ₹1.2 Lakhs |
| Theoretical mathematician | ₹ 7 Lakhs |
| Numerical analyst | ₹ 2.1 Lakhs |
| Teacher | ₹ 3.3 Lakhs |
| Market Researcher | ₹ 4.2 Lakhs |
| System Analyst | ₹ 3 Lakhs |
| Statistician | ₹2.0 Lakhs |
| Government Jobs | ₹3.2 Lakhs |
Check: CUET application process 2023
Mathematics
If you opt for mathematics in your secondary education, you can pursue a graduation in the scientific field. Below are some of the top career options for a mathematics student -
| Career | Average Fresher Salary |
| Professor | ₹2 Lakhs |
| Statistician | ₹2 Lakhs |
| Mathematician | ₹8 Lakhs |
| Data Analyst / Business Analyst | ₹2.1 Lakhs |
| Chartered Accountant | ₹10 Lakhs |
| Investment Banker | ₹3 Lakhs |
| Data Scientist | ₹4 Lakhs |
| Astronomer | ₹7 Lakhs |
| Programmer/ Software Engineer/ Blockchain Developer | ₹2 Lakhs |
| Economist | ₹2.5 Lakhs |
Let us look at the organizations that offer jobs in mathematics.
- Academic institutions and research institutes
- Aerospace and transportation equipment manufacturers or service providers
- Analytics and forecasting organizations
- Chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Communications services providers
- Computer information and software firms; established or start-ups
- Consumer products companies
- Energy systems firms
- Electronics and computer manufacturers
- Engineering research organizations
- Financial service and investment management firms
- Government labs, research offices and agencies
- Insurance companies
- Medical device companies
- Producers of petroleum and petroleum products
Check: Delhi University UG admission through CUET 2023
Which is Easy, Applied Mathematics or Mathematics?
Generally, depending on the area of individual interest, the easiness of the mathematics and applied mathematics subjects depends. Knowing the difference between mathematics and applied mathematics can help you better understand which is the most challenging subject.
Mathematics
Pure mathematics is abstract and theoretical. It is used to solve problems, find facts and answer questions that do not depend on the world around us but on the rules of mathematics itself. If you are a science graduate, pure mathematics is easy to learn.
Check: CUET Eligibility Criteria
Applied Mathematics
The activity of applied mathematics is intimately connected with research in pure mathematics. It is better than pure mathematics because it uses the formulas of pure maths and applies them in real life. Applied maths tries to model, predict, and explain things in the real world.
Applied maths is easy for students who are strong with engineering concepts. You can learn applied mathematics just as easily if you can learn new words and use them daily.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics are distinct yet complementary. Applied Mathematics involves applying mathematical principles and theories to solve real-world problems, while Pure Mathematics studies the underlying principles and theories of mathematics. Both fields are essential to understanding the world and are important components of a well-rounded education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pure mathematics and applied mathematics?
Is Applied Mathematics tough compare to Maths subject?
What are the branches of applied mathematics?
What are the topics included in CBSE Applied mathematics?
Which is better mathematics or applied mathematics?
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