Final answer:
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information in an objective and logical manner. It is important for everyone as it helps in making informed decisions, solving problems, and understanding complex concepts. In mathematics, critical thinking allows us to think deeply about problems, evaluate strategies, and make connections between concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information in an objective and logical manner. It involves skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Critical thinking is important for everyone because it helps us make informed decisions, solve problems, and understand complex concepts.
In mathematics, critical thinking is essential for understanding and applying mathematical concepts. It allows us to think deeply about mathematical problems, evaluate different strategies, and make connections between concepts.
For example, let's consider a problem where we need to find the area of a rectangle. Instead of simply memorizing the formula, critical thinking involves analyzing the problem, breaking it down into smaller steps, and considering different approaches. We might use critical thinking to recognize that the area of a rectangle can be found by multiplying its length and width, or we might explore alternative methods such as dividing the rectangle into smaller shapes.