How Do Carpenters Use Math?
Carpenters use math for measuring and cutting, for determining the amount of material and manpower required for a job and for determining the amount to bid for a particular job. Carpenters must understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions. According to MyCarpentry.com, formulas for calculating area and squaring using the Pythagorean theorem are also common mathematical techniques used by carpenters.
Accurately measuring and cutting wood and other materials are essential skills for any carpenter. Most structures that a carpenter builds follow detailed plans that lay out the dimensions of that structure. Simple arithmetic is sufficient for most tasks; however, trigonometry and algebra are sometimes required.
Accurately calculating the amount of material and labor required to complete a job saves both time and money. Time spent waiting for additional materials is wasted and unproductive, while purchasing excess material or hiring too many workers wastes money. A fundamental understanding of arithmetic avoids these problems.
A successful carpenter must be able to calculate an accurate bid. The bid must cover the cost of materials and labor in addition to providing profit. A carpenter who frequently bids too high has little success finding work, while a carpenter who bids too low either loses money or fails to complete jobs. A fundamental understanding of arithmetic is the only math required to bid for carpentry jobs.
