How can mathematics be “theoretical?”
In: Mathematics
Simplistically put (like you’re five) theoretical math consists of “what if” things that can’t exist in the real world. One of the most famous examples of theoretical math is probably Einstein’s theory of special relativity. This describes how objects traveling at the speed of light would behave, in a universe with no mass.
Theoretical Math can become applied math as scientific advances make equipment available. One example would be the theory of gravity as waves, which (I believe) was another of Enistein’s theories.) was eventually put to the test by Robert L.Forward who used the theoretical math to design the rotating cruciform gravity gradiometer or ‘Forward Mass Detector’.
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