Questions tagged [history-of-math]
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4
questions
5
votes
1answer
146 views
What were the applications of conic sections before Newton? [closed]
As I was being observed today, an administrator asked me for a practical application of parabolas. I responded by talking about objects in free-fall. Afterwards as I was re-thinking this conversation ...
4
votes
1answer
103 views
Has anybody used Mathematics in Civilization by Resnikoff and Wells or Journey through Genius by Dunham for a history of math class?
I'm teaching a history of mathematics class for master students in an integrated teacher training program. They have calculus and linear algebra plus a "proof" course and a geometry course, but most ...
18
votes
8answers
2k views
Teaching the History of Mathematics in High School
Is any time being spent on the history of mathematics in high school classes today?
Few observations as a student -
I had to discover Cantor many years after I was introduced to set theory.
I had ...
8
votes
2answers
323 views
A companion on the Journey Through Genius
I find William Dunham's book Journey Through Genius is a great text to use in a History of Mathematics course, but I wish it had more textbook-like content, e.g. reading comprehension questions, ...
