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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

Geometry Through Architectural Design, Maureen T. Carroll, Elyn Rykken Aug 2023

Geometry Through Architectural Design, Maureen T. Carroll, Elyn Rykken

LASER Journal

In her 1912 geometry book, Mabel Sykes surveys complex and beautiful architectural designs from around the world to inspire exercises on geometric proof, construction and computation. In over 1800 exercises, Sykes analyzes geometric patterns from ornamental and structural features found in tile mosaics, parquet floors, Gothic windows, trusses and arches. As Sykes' writes, ``Geometry gives, as no other subject can give, an appreciation of form as it exists in the material world" . We have chosen four examples to illustrate how her appealing designs and the accompanying exercises of this hidden gem can be incorporated into any geometry course.


Could Raphael’S School Of Athens Contain Hidden Geometry?, Frode S. Larsen, Harald E. Moe Aug 2023

Could Raphael’S School Of Athens Contain Hidden Geometry?, Frode S. Larsen, Harald E. Moe

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this article we argue that Raphael has hidden a geometric shape called a vesica piscis in his fresco The School of Athens (1510-1511). The vesica piscis, and several findings which can be interpreted as suggesting the presence of a vesica piscis in the fresco, are presented. Several of these suggestions relate to the vesica piscis drawn in the construction of an equilateral triangle in the first proposition of Euclid’s Elements. Based on findings in the fresco, we suggest that the vesica piscis should be interpreted in light of a philosophical and theological controversy which took place in Italy …


From A Doodle To A Theorem: A Case Study In Mathematical Discovery, Juan FernáNdez GonzáLez, Dirk Schlimm Feb 2023

From A Doodle To A Theorem: A Case Study In Mathematical Discovery, Juan FernáNdez GonzáLez, Dirk Schlimm

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

We present some aspects of the genesis of a geometric construction, which can be carried out with compass and straightedge, from the original idea to the published version (Fernández González 2016). The Midpoint Path Construction makes it possible to multiply the length of a line segment by a rational number between 0 and 1 by constructing only midpoints and a straight line. In the form of an interview, we explore the context and narrative behind the discovery, with first-hand insights by its author. Finally, we discuss some general aspects of this case study in the context of philosophy of mathematical …


Crocheting Mathematics Through Covid-19, Beyza C. Aslan Jul 2021

Crocheting Mathematics Through Covid-19, Beyza C. Aslan

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

As it is often said, something good often comes out of most bad situations. The time I spent during COVID-19, at home and isolated with my two children, brought out one secret passion in me: crocheting. Not only did it help me pass the time in a sane and productive way, but also it gave me a new goal in life. It connected my math side with my artistic side. It gave me a new perspective to look at math, and helped me help others see math in a positive way.


Making Art In Math Class During The Pandemic, Larson Fairbairn, Kameelah Jackson, Ksenija Simic-Muller Jul 2021

Making Art In Math Class During The Pandemic, Larson Fairbairn, Kameelah Jackson, Ksenija Simic-Muller

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

For many of us, the pandemic has changed how we teach and how we support students. This manuscript highlights creativity as a way to support for student mathematical and emotional well-being. It describes the positive impact that creative assignments in a mathematics content course for preservice K-8 teachers had on students during the early days of the pandemic. The story is told by the instructor and two former students in the course.


One Straight Line Addresses Another Traveling In The Same Direction On An Infinite Plane, Daniel W. Galef Jan 2021

One Straight Line Addresses Another Traveling In The Same Direction On An Infinite Plane, Daniel W. Galef

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.


Geometry Of Night, Jenny Patton Jan 2019

Geometry Of Night, Jenny Patton

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.


Geometric Serendipity, Dakota Becker Jan 2018

Geometric Serendipity, Dakota Becker

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

The central focus of my practice is the serendipitous exploration into geometry, symmetry, design, and color. I have found more and more that the affinity I have for hard-edge geometric abstraction is a deeper reflection of the way in which I process my thoughts and surroundings. In the past year, I have sought to challenge myself by questioning the core of my practice and pushing it to go beyond its individual elements. In this way, I seek to create work that is more than its parts. As a result, I have become more purposeful with my designs and push both …


Descartes Comes Out Of The Closet, Nora E. Culik Jul 2017

Descartes Comes Out Of The Closet, Nora E. Culik

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

While “Descartes Comes Out of the Closet” is ostensibly about a young woman’s journey to Paris, the descriptive detail borrows language and images from Cartesian coordinate geometry, dualistic philosophy, neuroanatomy (the pineal), and projections of three dimensions onto planes. This mathematical universe is counterpointed in the natural language of the suppressed love story that locates the real in the human. Thus, at the heart of the story is the tension between competing notions of mathematics, i.e., as either an independent realm apart from history or as a culturally produced and historical set of practices. Of course, the central character proves …


Geometry: Drawing From The Islamic Tradition, Carol Bier Jan 2015

Geometry: Drawing From The Islamic Tradition, Carol Bier

Carol Bier

Getting students involved in careful observation and analysis and encouraging their exploration of cultural forms of expression is an excellent means of introducing mathematical ideas. Geometric patterns abound in Islamic art and architecture. Exhibiting great ingenuity over the centuries, Muslim artists and craftsmen created beautiful patterns to adorn architectural monuments and exquisite objects. The Alhambra in Spain and the Taj Mahal in India offer the most famous examples of extraordinary patterns using brick and glazed tile, or carved and inlaid marble. Other examples of patterns are made using metal, wood, and fiber. Students may gain conceptual and theoretical understanding of …


Propeller, Joel Kahn Mar 2013

Propeller, Joel Kahn

The STEAM Journal

This image is based on several different algorithms interconnected within a single program in the language BASIC-256. The fundamental structure involves a tightly wound spiral working outwards from the center of the image. As the spiral is drawn, different values of red, green and blue are modified through separate but related processes, producing the changing appearance. Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and analytic geometry are all utilized in overlapping ways within the program. As with many works of algorithmic art, small changes in the program can produce dramatic alterations of the visual output, which makes lots of variations possible.


Curd, Spencer, 1788-1832 (Sc 966), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives Feb 2011

Curd, Spencer, 1788-1832 (Sc 966), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid and full text (click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 966. Ciphering book (94 p.), focusing chiefly on surveying and navigating rules for solving problems as well as giving specific problems, of Spencer Curd, Logan County, Kentucky, with accompanying genealogical data.


The Evolution And Discovery Of The Species Of Equality In Euclid’S Elements, Lee T. Nutini Jan 2010

The Evolution And Discovery Of The Species Of Equality In Euclid’S Elements, Lee T. Nutini

Lee T Nutini

A look at the evidence for an additional and novel type of equality found in Euclid's Elements.


Metrology And Proportion In The Ecclesiastical Architecture Of Medieval Ireland, Avril Behan, Rachel Moss Jun 2008

Metrology And Proportion In The Ecclesiastical Architecture Of Medieval Ireland, Avril Behan, Rachel Moss

Conference Papers

The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which detailed empirical analysis of the metrology and proportional systems used in the design of Irish ecclesiastical architecture can be analysed to provide historical information not otherwise available. Focussing on a relatively limited sample of window tracery designs as a case study, it will first set out to establish what, if any, systems were in use, and then what light these might shed on the background, training and work practices of the masons, and, by association, the patrons responsible for employing them.


The Role Of Algebraic Inferences In Naîm Ibn Mûsa’S Collection Of Geometrical Propositions, Marco Panza Jan 2008

The Role Of Algebraic Inferences In Naîm Ibn Mûsa’S Collection Of Geometrical Propositions, Marco Panza

MPP Published Research

Na‘im ibn Musa's lived in Baghdad in the second half of the 9th century. He was probably not a major mathematician. Still his Collection of geometrical propositions---recently edited and translated in French by Roshdi Rashed and Christian Houzel---reflects quite well the mathematical practice that was common in Thabit ibn Qurra's school. A relevant characteristic of Na‘im's treatise is its large use of a form of inferences that can be said ‘algebric' in a sense that will be explained. They occur both in proofs of theorems and in solutions of problems. In the latter case, they enter different sorts of problematic …


Visions Of Infinity: Design And Pattern In Oriental Carpets, Carol Bier Jan 1990

Visions Of Infinity: Design And Pattern In Oriental Carpets, Carol Bier

Carol Bier

No abstract provided.


History Of Applied Geometry, Evelyn Jackson Jan 1930

History Of Applied Geometry, Evelyn Jackson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

No abstract provided.