Mathematics Commons^™

Prime Motivation Of Eratosthenes, Pamela L. King

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The sieve of Eratosthenes is used as a metaphor for the concept of people falling through the social safety net, and people who were once excluded, making efforts to increase inclusiveness.

Poems From The Series "At The Dimensional Border", Philip Fried

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Poems about the border between the second and third dimensions, on geometry and the human condition.

Mathematical Graffiti: Bridges 2023 Clerihew Collection

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Clerihews are poems of a form invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley around the turn of the 19th-20th century. The poems are typically biographical, humorous, and are made up of two couplets. The rhyming pattern is always aabb, but the meter of the two couplets is usually not the same. The first line is simply the name of the person, the other three lines relate to the subject, often in an absurd way. If the rhyme is slightly off, or the rhythm irregular or awkward, or the facts a bit confused, so much the better. The present collection of clerihews, written …

Book Review: How To Expect The Unexpected: The Science Of Making Predictions -- And The Art Of Knowing When Not To By Kit Yates, Mark Huber

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Humans think about the future all the time. Prediction is a part of how we prepare for the coming of both good and bad events in our lives. Kit Yates' book, How to expect the unexpected, concentrates primarily on the question of why prediction is difficult, and what mental shortcuts people take in prediction that can lead to incorrect results. Unfortunately, a lack of concern for details and several omissions undermine the quality of the book.

Geometric Shapes That Sing And Move: An Interdisciplinary Lesson With Pre-Service Teachers, Gladys Krause, Gustavo Velandia

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Our work shares a practical example of an interdisciplinary lesson in which two teacher educators collaborated to integrate mathematics and music in an elementary mathematics methods course. This paper describes the process of collaboration in designing the lesson and shares original instructional resources to be used in the classroom. We also discuss what the pre-service teachers participating in the lesson shared about their learning experience, and what we, the teacher educators, learned from this experience. In presenting this work we aim to promote the opening of spaces in teacher preparation programs that allow pre-service teachers to develop their own instructional …

States Of Matter, Todd Sformo

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This is a non-fiction essay overtly about three methods used in overwintering physiology, set in the context of my first learning them, along with associated thoughts and ideas as I began working on my PhD. The mathematics shows up mainly in the final section of the essay whose subtitle plays on a poem by Wallace Stevens called “Anecdote of the Jar”. This section is fable-like in its explanation of protein purification and begins with an impossible statement that is slowly adjusted to make sense by words and math.

Fibonacci-Inspired Spiral Quilts, Kathleen Offenholley, Sk Collins, David Radcliffe

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This article provides insight into the mathematics and designs of quilts inspired by Fibonacci and logarithmic spirals. We introduce the history and development of the Fibonacci number sequence and how to hand-draw a Fibonacci spiral. Further, we explain the relationship between the Fibonacci spiral and logarithmic spirals, the advantages of using logarithmic spirals to create designs, and how to produce digital spiral designs using Desmos, a free web-based graphing calculator. Finally, we discuss methods for designing spiral quilts or other triangle and spiral designs (such as collage or other media) and derive a formula for calculating the apex angles of …

Intuitive Explanations In Mathematical Education, Jerzy Pogonowski

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

I discuss the role of intuitive explanations in the learning, teaching, and popularization of mathematics. Several examples of such explanations are presented, related to linguistic explanations, perception, empirical models, and internal explanations inside mathematics itself. I emphasize the fact that intuitive explanations in a sense transgress mere mathematical arguments. I also discuss in brief the role of paradox resolution in mathematical education.

Bootstraps And Scaffolds: What A Cognitive-Historical Analysis Of The Complex Number System Reveals About Numerical Cognition, Charles R. Card, Gary G. Miller

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The following investigation is a cognitive-historical analysis of the conceptual development of complex numbers. The history of this development spans nearly two millennia, from the earliest appearance of the square root of a negative quantity in the calculations of Heron of Alexandra (1st Century CE) to the full flowering of complex numbers in the first half of the 19th Century. The approach used for this analysis is Nersessian's, including her formulations of model-based reasoning and mental models. Additional aspects of the analysis feature the prominent roles played by process representations, including object-process complementarities, and by core numerical systems. Our analysis …

Building Communities Of Care For Equity, Justice, And Culturally Responsive Practice In Mathematics Education, Nicole Fletcher, B Waid

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Teaching is widely considered one of the “caring professions,” but conceptualizations of care and how care is put into practice in education are not universal. In this article, we draw from a range of perspectives on care that integrate supportive interpersonal relationships, high expectations, and culturally relevant theories of critical care, as well as Queer Theory and Disability Justice, to explore the application of these ideas in mathematics education. We identify key elements for building communities of care in mathematics education contexts: co-constructing community agreements, redefining participation, shifting traditional power structures, collaborative problem solving, and building networks of care beyond …

Mathematical Models And Pedagogy Of Marxist Political Economy, Christopher Perez

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

How can we teach people about the economics of labor and exploitation in mathematics courses? We define a mathematical model for describing the relationships embodied by commodities and labor. We then use this model to illustrate the exploitative nature of profit and the tendency for catastrophic chain-reactions that lead to market crashes. Lastly, we discuss applications to pedagogy in mathematics courses using a simplified version of the model.

What Is An Imaginary Number? The Plane And Beyond, Andrew W. Powell

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this article I argue that i is a quantity associated with the two-dimensional real number plane, whether as a vector, a bi-vector, a point or a transformation (rotation). This position provides a foundation for the complex numbers and accounts for complex numbers in some equations of applied mathematics and physics. I also argue that complex numbers are fundamentally geometrical and can be described by geometric algebra, and that moreover the meaning of complex numbers in physics varies with dimension and geometry of the manifold.

Millions, Billions, Or Trillions: How To Partition Large Numbers Into Friendly Figures, Eryn Michelle Maher, Ha Nguyen, Cynthia Sanchez Tapia

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Communicating and making sense of large numbers — millions, billions, and trillions — is a persistent struggle in our society. Using large numbers is a learning requirement for elementary school children, but even adults struggle with it. Hence supporting future teachers in developing their own understanding of the concepts is valuable. To construct, enact, and revise an educational experience for preservice teachers, we apply three frameworks of teaching mathematics for social justice tasks, high cognitive demand tasks, and productive mathematics discussion. The context uses United States educational and defense spending, the national budget, and the gross domestic product. Preservice teachers …

Language Analysis Via The Run And Flattened Statistics On Permutations, Jennifer Elder, Pamela E. Harris, Anthony Simpson

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A permutation π in Sn can be decomposed into its runs π = τ₁τ₂ . . . τ_k, where a run of π is a maximal contiguous subsequence whose elements are in increasing order. If the first values of each run are in increasing order, then π is said to be flattened. Motivated by the study of flattened permutations, we study the words in the Danish, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and Norwegian languages. In each language considered, our work provides the following: a list of the longest flattened words, histograms for the proportion …

The Modern Geometrician: Euclidean Construction For Digital Paper, Deborah A. Kent, David J. Muraki

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The emphasis on traditional hand-drawn compass and straight-edge geometrical constructions has been reduced in the core narrative of most current curricula. In response to this trend, this paper presents a virtual toolkit for producing precision geometrical figures within the popular note-taking app, Notability. These graphical procedures employ the app's stylus-based input and shape tools (for lines, circles and squares) to offer a modern take on classical geometrical construction. These procedures are adaptations of familiar textbook methods, necessary because the app's circle-drawing tool behaves differently from a standard compass. Beyond the familiar canon of elementary Euclidean constructions, such as angle bisectors …

My Own Private World Of Non-Ordinary Associative Arithmetics, Marion D. Cohen

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A binary operation # on Z+ is said to be an associative arithmetic if both # and its iteration — the binary operation ∗ defined recursively by: x∗1 = x and x∗y = [x ∗ (y − 1)]#x — are associative. E. Rosinger [6] showed that under reasonable conditions an associative arithmetic must be ordinary addition. However, in the general case, there are associative arithmetics that are not ordinary addition. This paper gives examples of these as well as results towards a structure theorem for associative arithmetics. The paper also describes the role that this particular math problem has played …

Sociomathematical Norms And Automated Proof Checking In Mathematical Education: Reflections And Experiences, Merlin Carl

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

According to a widely held view, mathematical proofs are essentially (indications of) formal derivations, and thus in principle mechanically checkable (this view is defended, for example, by Azzouni [3]). This should in particular hold for the kind of simple proof exercises typically given to students of mathematics learning to write proofs. If that is so, then automated proof checking should be an attractive option for math education at the undergraduate level. An opposing view would be that mathematical proofs are social objects and that what constitutes a mathematical proof can thus not be separated from the social context in which …

Picturing Mathematics (Education) In New Ways, Mark Huber, Gizem Karaali

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.

The Arbitrariness Of Symmetry In Mathematical Proofs, Melisa Vivanco

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Symmetry is not an inherent characteristic of mathematical proofs; instead, it is a property that arbitrarily manifests in different modes of presentation. This arbitrariness leads to the conclusion that symmetry cannot be part of the defining or essential properties that characterize proofs. Consequently, contrary to some authors’ claims, symmetry does not significantly contribute to the validity, accuracy, or soundness of mathematical proofs. What is more, it does not even play any critical role in heuristic aspects such as explanatory power. The examples developed in this paper constitute compelling evidence supporting these claims.

`The Very Beautiful Principles Of Natural Philosophy': Michael Faraday, Paper Marbling And The Physics Of Natural Forms, Robert Pepperell

LASER Journal

In 1854, Michael Faraday wrote to thank the author who had sent him a book on the art of paper marbling. In the letter, Faraday referred to `the very beautiful principles of natural philosophy' involved in the process of dropping ink on thickened water. What are the `beautiful principles' that Faraday referred to, and how are they involved in the art of paper marbling? Here I consider some of the physical processes that occur in paper marbling and how the patterns that emerge represent `dissipative structures' that are governed by fundamental principles of nature, in particular the tendency for physical …

Me And Mathematics: “Doing What You’Re Talking About”: In Dialogue With My Family, Eden Morris

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This paper is a philosophically oriented accompaniment to my audio project (accessible through the following link: https://cuny.manifoldapp.org/projects/me-and-mathematics). Working together, the paper and audio collages form a call to action and a resource. My primary finding is the importance of doing what you’re talking about or exploring and implementing your ideas experientially. Doing what you’re talking about is important for effective teaching/learning and feeling in line with oneself. This working concept came to my attention during my research conversation with my oldest living relative, and then, again, with my youngest (non-baby) relative. This doing what you’re talking about is a way …

A Thesis, Or Digressions On Sculptural Practice: In Which, Concepts & Influences Thereof Are Explained, Set Forth, Catalogued, Or Divulged By Way Of Commentaries To A Poem, First Conceived By The Artist, Fed Through Chatg.P.T., And Re-Edited By The Artist, To Which Are Added, Annotated References, Impressions And Ruminations Thereof, Also Including Private Thoughts & Personal Accounts Of The Artist, Jaimie An

Masters Theses

This thesis is an exercise in, perhaps a futile, attempt to trace just some of the ideas, stories, and musings I might meander through in my process. It’s not quite a map, nor is it a neat catalogue; it is a haphazard collection of tickets and receipts from a travel abroad, carelessly tossed in a carry-on, only to be stashed upon returning home. These ideas are derived from much greater thinkers and authors than myself; I am a mere collector or a translator, if that, and not a very good one, for much is lost. I do not claim comprehensive …

A Computational Investigation Of Wood Selection For Acoustic Guitar, Jonah Osterhus

Senior Honors Theses

The acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument, often made of wood, that transduces vibrational energy of steel strings into coupled vibrations of the wood and acoustic pressure waves in the air. Variations in wood selection and instrument geometry have been shown to affect the timbre of the acoustic guitar. Computational methods were utilized to investigate the impact of material properties on acoustic performance. Sitka spruce was deemed the most suitable wood for guitar soundboards due to its acoustic characteristics, strength, and uniform aesthetic. Mahogany was deemed to be the best wood for the back and sides of the guitar body …

Canonical Extensions Of Quantale Enriched Categories, Alexander Kurz

MPP Research Seminar

No abstract provided.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Ways Of The Future, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period April 8 - May 5, 2024.

• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor – Science, Technology & Business
• Anderson, Alexandria. Women in STEM Make Advances
• Novoselia, Mariia. Turnover on Fountain Square: Local Businesses Share Concerns & Success Stories
• SOKY Rentals Offers New Apartments
• Walk2Campus: Where Home Meets Community
• Bush, Camden. Can a Baseball Team Reduce Their Goals to a Math Problem?
• Hawkins, Kaylee. Student Business Owners Share Experiences – Gatara Townsend, Andrew Garrett, Brittiny Sadler
• Ivory, Larkin. Bikewalk BG, WKU CHHS Offer Chances for Healthy Lifestyle – Health & Human Services

Representations Of Gender In Math-Related Films, Jacob Gathje

CSB and SJU Distinguished Thesis

This project analyzes how four popular math-related films - Hidden Figures, Mean Girls, Good Will Hunting, and A Beautiful Mind - either follow, resist, or reconfigure gender stereotypes in mathematics. It includes close readings of specific scenes in each of the films, along with broader analysis of the effects of how women and men are represented differently. It concludes forward-looking focus, providing suggestions for how future math-related movies can depict a more realistic and inclusive version of the field of mathematics. Ideally, this will help improve one part of the larger issue of gender disparities in math.

Art And Math Via Cubic Polynomials, Polynomiography And Modulus Visualization, Bahman Kalantari

LASER Journal

Throughout history, both quadratic and cubic polynomials have been rich sources for the discovery and development of deep mathematical properties, concepts, and algorithms. In this article, we explore both classical and modern findings concerning three key attributes of polynomials: roots, fixed points, and modulus. Not only do these concepts lead to fertile ground for exploring sophisticated mathematics and engaging educational tools, but they also serve as artistic activities. By utilizing innovative practices like polynomiography—visualizations associated with polynomial root finding methods—as well as visualizations based on polynomial modulus properties, we argue that individuals can unlock their creative potential. From crafting captivating …

Media Portrayals Of Mathematics And Mathematicians: An Annotated Bibliography Of Published Journal Articles, Sarah O'Connor '26

Education Student Scholarship

Sarah O'Connor ’26, Mathematics major
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kevin O’Conner, Secondary Education and Dr. Olga Limnios, English

Hgs-3 The Influence Of A Tandem Cycling Program In The Community On Physical And Functional Health, Therapeutic Bonds, And Quality Of Life For Individuals And Care Partners Coping With Parkinson’S Disease, Leila Djerdjour, Jennifer L. Trilk

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Purpose Statement: Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can have a positive impact on alleviating symptoms experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this evidence, the potential benefits of exercise for both PD patients and their care partners (PD dyad) remain unexplored. This research project investigates the effectiveness, therapeutic collaborations, and physical outcomes of a virtual reality (VR) tandem cycling program specifically designed for PD dyads.

Methods: Following approval from the Prisma Health Institutional Review Board, individuals with PD were identified and screened by clinical neurologists. The pre-testing measures for PD dyads (N=9) included emotional and cognitive status …