Applied mathematics is a branch of
mathematics that deals with
mathematical methods that find use in
science,
engineering,
business,
computer science, and
industry. Thus, applied mathematics is a combination of
mathematical science and specialized knowledge. The term "applied mathematics" also describes the
professional specialty in which mathematicians work on practical problems by formulating and studying mathematical models. In the past, practical applications have motivated the development of mathematical theories, which then became the subject of study in
pure mathematics where abstract concepts are studied for their own sake. The activity of applied mathematics is thus intimately connected with research in pure mathematics.