About Math

• About Basic Geometry [Santiago, 10/14/1998]
  Who developed basic geometry? What is it used for? Who uses it?

• Algebra Terms: 'Evaluate' and 'Simplify' [Ware, 7/30/1996]
  What do the terms "evaluate" and "simplify" mean in expressions like "evaluate 3-{2-3(2-7)}" or "simplify -3x{7-(3x-5)}"?

• Definition of Opposite Sides [Stortz, 01/18/2001]
  What is the formal definition of 'opposite sides' of a polygon? Does a regular pentagon have opposite sides? Does a concave polygon have opposite sides? How can we define it consistent with our intuition?

• Difference between Math and Arithmetic [Vicki, 11/06/2001]
  My students haven't heard the word arithmetic. No one seems to be able to tell the difference, if there is one, between arithmetic and mathematics. Is there a difference, and what is it?

• How Can Math Be Made More Interesting? [Tootie, 08/30/2001]
  What can I do to help me be more interested in math?

• Mathematics and Intuition [Archer, 07/10/2001]
  Certain "puzzlers" in mathematical recreations defy our sense of experience, leaving you wondering if the answer to a problem can really be true. How to convince the intelligent non-believer?

• Mathematics in the Applied Sciences [Huggard, 02/24/1997]
  How do civil engineers and others use math in their work?

• The Number e [Wong, 6/3/1996]
  Is "e" a number like Pi? How does "e" relate to continued fractions?

• Purpose of Algebra [Stuckey, 10/15/1996]
  What is the purpose of algebra and who came up with the idea?

• Rational and Irrational Numbers [Merrill, 11/12/1997]
  Which set is bigger, the set of rational or irrational numbers?

• Ten Commandments of Math [Pope, 07/05/1997]
  What are the Ten Commandments of Math?

• The Third Millennium [Hutchison, 01/23/2000]
  When does the Third Millennium begin? Are there any inherent predictions or unverifiable assumptions within math?

• Understanding Mathematics [Nwasokwa, 07/25/1999]
  I feel compelled to ask questions like "how can we prove that?" and then set out to prove it. Is there a name for the type of scrutiny I enjoy?

• Unproven Fundamentals of Geometry [Han, 05/18/1999]
  What are some important postulates or axioms that geometry cannot exist without, but cannot prove, either?

• Was Mathematics Invented or Discovered? [Angela, 01/01/2001]
  I need to write a 1,000 word essay answering the question "was mathematics invented or discovered?" Can you provide me with some insights and references?

• What is Calculus? [Doedtman, 05/06/1997]
  What is calculus and how does it work?

• Who uses Calculus? [Corliss, 12/13/1995]
  I was wondering how calculus is used: what professions, in what situations?

• Why Is Math Important? [Amanda, 01/02/2002]
  Some of it we don't need to know in the real world, so why do they teach us things we won't need to know?

• Why Simplify Square Roots? [Cendrowski, 05/17/1999]
  We have been trained to simplify square roots, but we are now looking at the reasons why we should continue to teach the process.

• Why Study Practical Geometry? [Superko, 04/26/1997]
  What can I do to help my students to see just how important Geometry and all Math is?

• Wording Division Problems [Phil, 08/10/1998]
  How would you clarify the wording of division problems like "divide into" or "divide by"?

• Year 2000 (Y2K) Problem [Rose, 07/26/1998]
  Can you explain the Year 2000 problem in layman's terms? Why is it so hard to fix?

• Why Does Math Need Proofs? [Lesa, 03/24/2000]
  Why does math need to have proofs?

• Why There are 12 Tones in a Scale [Ashely, 12/28/2000]
  Why are there 12 tones in an octave? Can you explain the significance or the equation r^n = 2^m? Also, what's so special about a fifth? Why should the scale be based on the fraction 3/2?

• Reverse Polish Notation [Doc, 1/22/1996]
  Who invented PostFix notation, i.e. Reverse Polish Notation? Why is it called Reverse Polish Notation?

• Art and Mathematics [Rob, 2/8/1996]
  Do you know ways that art can be linked to mathematics?

• Why is Pi Everywhere? [Chet, 2/9/1996]
  Why does pi show up in things that don't seem to be related to circles?

• Math in the Real World [Pires, 2/19/1996]
  I would like to know some examples of mathematical applications in the real world.

• Making Math Seem Easy [Hallman, 3/8/1996]
  How can you make math seem more easy to do?

• Math and Music [Grahn, 4/10/1996]
  I need information on how math is involved in music.

• Mathematics and Philosophy [Kelf, 6/5/1996]
  I was wondering if mathematicians viewed mathematics as being 'transcendental' of the universe.

• Math Symbols [Howell, 04/07/1997]
  What do the common math symbols (backward E, upside-down A, etc.) mean?

• Spherical vs. Plane Geometry [Tsang, 05/30/1997]
  How is spherical geometry different from plane geometry?

• Meanings of Math Symbols [Howell, 06/19/1997]
  In math notation, what do the vertical bar, the colon, and the solid black square (at the end of a proof) mean?

• What is Math? [Lake, 10/04/1997]
  Is math a science, an art, or some other anomaly?

• Determinant of a Matrix [Geraghty, 11/05/1997]
  Can you give us a definition for the determinant of a matrix?

• Non-terminating Decimal Representations of Fractions [Swierzbinski, 11/10/1997]
  Why when you take a finite, limited quantity like one-third and turn it into a decimal do you get .333... on into infinity?

• Perfect Numbers [Moreno, 11/10/1997]
  Do the sums of the digits of perfect numbers always equal 1?

• The Math Behind Music: Pitches, Scales, Geometry [Angelica, 12/03/1997]
  Connections between music, physics, and math.

• Meaning of the Phrase: Divide by Zero. [Coppel, 01/02/1998]
  I want to use 'divide by zero' to indicate a physically impossible task. What does the phrase actually mean?

• Impossibility of Constructing a Regular Nine-Sided Polygon [Su, 04/07/1998]
  Can you construct a regular 9 sided polygon with just a compass and straightedge?

• Mathematical Induction [Katie, 09/07/1998]
  What is mathematical induction? Can you give an example of the ideas of math induction?

• The Fairness of Democracy [Newman, 09/16/1998]
  What are some ideas to think about with regard to the fairness of democracy?

• Fourier Transforms [Salum, 09/17/1998]
  What is Fourier Transform and what is it used for?

• Rhumb Lines and Great Circle Routes [Leeds, 09/24/1998]
  Can you explain great circles and rhumb lines and how they relate to shortest distances in geometry?

• Rectangular Solids from Blocks [Purins, 09/25/1998]
  How many rectangular solids can be made from "n" cube-shaped blocks?

• Math and the Piano [Questkid, 09/27/1998]
  How is math is related to the piano? What about tempo, pitch, and tuning?

• Trig Based on the Unit Square [Barr, 10/22/1998]
  Why are the sine and cosine graphs defined in a unit circle? Why not a unit square or any other geometric shape?

• Doctors and Math [Sam, 10/27/1998]
  How do doctors use math?

• Types of Numbers [Kustera, 10/30/1998]
  How are the different types of numbers related? For example, what about counting, whole, rational, irrational, integers, prime, ... ?

• Math and the Law [Alvarez, 11/24/1998]
  Examples of how mathematics is used by lawyers to win cases.

• Trigonometry And Music [Elizabeth, 12/21/1998]
  How is trigonometry used in music?

• The Importance of Geometry Constructions [Kel, 12/29/1998]
  Why are geometry constructions important? What do we learn from them? Where have they appeared in math history?

• Types of Variables [Kane, 01/14/1999]
  Can you explain the different types of variables, such as free variables and bound variables?

• Godel's Incompleteness Theorem [Andersen, 01/18/1999]
  What does Goedel prove in his incompleteness theorem?

• Applications of Non-antidifferentiable Functions [Mekisha , 01/29/1999]
  What are some of the real life applications of the functions sin (x)/ x, e^(-x^2), and sin (x^2)?

• Writing Sigma Notation [Mary, 02/03/1999]
  What does the equation that goes under the Sigma notation imply?

• Laws of Arithmetic [Rose, 02/12/1999]
  The Distributive law, Associative law, Identity, and Commutative equations.

• When is the expression Q.E.D. used? [Andrea, 02/15/1999]
  More on Q.E.D.

• Slide Rules [Ben, 03/13/1999]
  Can you help me learn how to use a slide rule?

• Times Greater Than, Times As Much As [Ng, 05/02/1999]
  A number is five times greater than x. Will this number be 6x or 5x?

• Arithmetic vs. Exponential Increases [Buck, 05/06/1999]
  What does "....the work produced... will increase exponentially rather than arithmetically" mean?

• Duotrigesimal (Base 32) Numbers [deBoer, 06/11/1999]
  A unique and interesting use for base 32 or "duotrigesimal" numbers.

• Questions About Math [Nwasokwa, 07/31/1999]
  Why was the Cartesian plane invented? Were the more abstract branches of math developed just for fun? What is chaos theory? Why isn't Einstein's equation e = mc^3?

• Larger Than and As Large As [Tracy, 08/01/1999]
  If the percussion section has 6 people, does the expression "the brass section is three times larger than the percussion section" mean that the brass section is 3*6 = 18 people or 4*6 = 24 people?

• Trig Function Domains [Ukachukwu, 08/23/1999]
  Which came first, trigonometry based on the simple triangle or trigonometry based on the triangle of the unit circle?

• Math Invented or Discovered? [Demarco, 10/26/1999]
  Did man create all math? If man created math, then all math can be manipulated, and it is whatever we want it to be, right?

• The Second Millennium [Hesketh, 11/29/1999]
  Does the second millennium begin with the year 2000 or the year 2001? How does this relate to the math of counting numbers and subtraction?

• What Motivates New Definitions? [Ryan, 02/06/2000]
  Why do so many mathematical objects -- groups, fields, rings, vector spaces -- have nearly identical definitions and properties? Does every new object have to undergo some rigorous proof of its existence?

• Mod Function and Negative Numbers [Anne, 04/28/2000]
  What is the correct value for the function MOD(-340,60)? Microsoft Excel returns the value 20, while Lotus 1-2-3 returns the value -40. Can you explain the difference?

• Who Invented Binary? [Jenny, 05/07/2000]
  Who invented the binary system of numbers and when was it developed?

• Computer Software for Writing Math Problems [Jain, 05/12/2000]
  How can you write mathematical problems on computers? Is there specialized software that incorporates all symbols, etc.?

• The New Math [Williams, 07/05/2000]
  What is the "New Math?"

• Making Math Interesting [Laura, 08/15/2000]
  Do you have any tips for how I can stay focused in math going into the 7th grade this coming year?

• The Importance of Math [Mertes, 08/23/2000]
  Why is math a core subject?

• Math in Everyday Life [Flores, 09/22/2000]
  I need to write a story about all the ways in which math relates to everyday life over the course of one day. Could you help me with some examples?

• What is Mathematics? [Erum, 09/22/2000]
  Please tell me the definition of maths.

• Years That Start on Sunday [Lane, 10/02/2000]
  What is the probability that a randomly chosen year will start on a Sunday?

• Zero Before the Decimal Point? [Bouril, 10/06/2000]
  What is the merit of writing the zero before the decimal point in numbers less than one, for example 0.25?

• The Value of Two-Column Proofs [Patrick, 12/19/2000]
  What is the point of learning two-column proofs?

• Preparing for a Math Olympiad [Michaud, 12/25/2000]
  I want to be a candidate for the International Math Olympiad, and so I have to push way past the subjects covered in class. Do you have any ideas on how I could efficiently "reach the top?"

• Why is Math Interesting? [Channell, 01/16/2001]
  Why does math have to be so boring and hard?

• How Do Lawyers Use Math? [Chloe, 01/26/2001]
  I have to write a two-page paper on how lawyers use math.

• Chaos [Justin, 01/27/2001]
  How can a butterfly flapping its wings in South America cause a tornado in Texas?

• Math for a Future in the Sciences [Ian, 02/08/2001]
  I want to be able to understand as much math as possible and keep this information with me for the rest of my life, but once I learn something, I forget it quickly...

• Context, Language, and False Equations [Rheanna, 02/12/2001]
  Is there such a thing as a false equation? How does the context in which it is set affect the truth of an equation?

• Learning Math Formulas [Smith, 02/22/2001]
  Why is it important to develop math formulas, and why is it important to memorize them?

• Julian to Calendar Date Conversion [Attwell, 02/24/2001]
  Can you show me an algorithm to convert Julian date values to calendar date values? For example, Julian date 2451964 = 02/24/2001.

• Philosophy of the Truths of Mathematics [Lauren, 02/28/2001]
  Do the truths of math hold in any conceivable world?

• Why Should I Study Calculus? [Dallek, 03/04/2001]
  I am starting an AP calculus class next year and I would like to know why I should study calculus.

• Is Math a Science? [Rouzier, 03/18/2001]
  Is mathematics considered a science?

• Good Friday on the 13th [Melanson, 04/10/2001]
  How many times has Good Friday fallen on the 13th?

• Possible Proof That 1 + 1 Does Not Equal 2 [Desmond, 04/19/2001]
  I just want verification... would this proof work?

• Science or Art? [Erin, 05/29/2001]
  Is math a science or an art?

• Measurement: Raindrops, the Weight of the Earth [Charles, 05/02/2001]
  How many raindrops have fallen from the sky to the earth since the Big Bang? Has anyone ever tried to calculate the weight of the Earth?

• Is Zero a Perfect Square? [Patricia, 08/01/2001]
  I have been told that zero is not considered a perfect square, yet the square root of zero is zero...

• Impossible Problems [David, 08/07/2001]
  Are there prizes for finding solutions to impossible problems?

• Quadratic Formula [Shawn, 08/15/2001]
  How do you solve for b in the quadratic formula?

• What is Math? [Rob, 09/14/2001]
  Mathematics as the study of abstractions.

• Undefined Geometry Terms [Jake, 09/16/2001]
  I know that they call point, line, and plane the undefined terms of geometry, but is there a way to give those terms a definition?

• Why Proofs? Definitions and Axioms [Allie, 09/16/2001]
  Why are proofs important in the development of a mathematical system like geometry?

• Math in Dance [Mary, 09/30/2001]
  Can you explain possible ways that math and dance could be related?

• Why Study Upper-Level Math? [Brandon, 10/10/2001]
  I'm talking about pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, that sort of thing.

• What is an Algorithm? [Jonathan, 10/21/2001]
  Please define and explain algorithm, and include an example.

• Absolute Zero [Megan, 10/24/2001]
  Is there an absolute zero in math? In real life?

• Representing a Number [Pat, 10/29/2001]
  How can you represent the number three without using any letters or variables or the digits 1 through 9?

• Math Used Every Day [Swammiqua, 11/20/2001]
  What type of math do I use every day?

• Etymology of the Word Mathematics [Mica, 12/10/2001]
  Why do you call maths maths?

• Math and the Bible [Elissa, 01/24/2002]
  How can I integrate math and the Bible?

• Avoiding Careless Mistakes [David, 01/30/2002]
  How can I avoid careless mistakes?

• Chefs and Algebra [Kay, 02/05/2002]
  I hope to become a chef someday, and I would like to know how algebra (specifically polynomials, the quadratic formula, factoring, etc.) could possibly relate to my future career and my life beyond high school.

• Multiple Solutions [Ryan, 02/08/2002]
  Why is there more than one way of doing one type of math problem?