Mathematics: All Classes: Wednesday 16.11 (16:00-18:00)

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

On the students' desks, Charlie has placed mugs of cocoa with itty bitty marshmallows in. He's wearing a knit sweater today, and he has the look of someone who's trying to be way more energetic than he feels like.

"Wallace Fennel has been absent for four consecutive classes and has been kicked out of class, as well as given detention.

Jack O'Neill is still sick, I believe."

Comments

Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

"Today we shall look at the history of mathematics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_mathematics), but this time we shall discuss the topic in this class, not the next one. Please read through the chapter and pick something that looks interesting. I will call on you in turns to tell the class what you found."

Re: Beginners

[maias-notebook.livejournal.com]

"I think the most interesting part of it was the Maya's having 0 on their calendar, I mean for them to have the concept of 0 up to 20 before broader math was introduced to the world is almost mind boggling."

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

Charlie nods. "That's true. The history of zero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/0_%28number%29) is very fascinating, I think."

Re: Beginners

[maias-notebook.livejournal.com]

Maia grins and nods as she writes notes about Zero on her papers "Sir are we going to have a final project like the advanced class?"

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

"No, you will be given a final essay test instead on the topics we've covered thus far."

Re: Beginners

[maias-notebook.livejournal.com]

Maia makes a note of this in her schedule book and sips on her cocoa again listing to the other students give their impressions of the history of math.

Re: Beginners

[http://users.livejournal.com/_gottahavefaith/]

"I don't really know what they meant, but the whole developing fractionsand stuff to deal with problems seems like cheating."

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

Charlie's lips twitches in amusement. "Would you like to elaborate on that?"

Re: Beginners

[http://users.livejournal.com/_gottahavefaith/]

"Well, the thing said that they couldn't do problems like X x X -2 = 0 without coming up with some sort of radical numbers, or something. So, basically, the problem isn't possible unless you make up something. That's cheating," Faith says with a nod.

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

Charlie's hand hovers over her head for a moment, like he wants to pat her, then he remembers himself and snatches his hand back. "You're both right, and yet not. A lot of mathematics is dealing with numbers that doesn't stricktly speaking exist. I don't know if I'd really call it cheating though," he adds.

Re: Beginners

[mycanonhatesme]

"I think it's interesting how the mathematical creations of different cultures have all come together to work in a single field. I mean, how often in history have Indians, Mayans and Europeans agreed on anything?"

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

"That is a very good point, Chloe!" Charlie beams at her, and starts gesturing to stop himself from almost patting her on the head as well. "Mathematics is one of the oldest languages there is, and in fact one that draws from many, many cultures over the years as--" He goes on and on for at least fifteen minutes. "--Um, yes. Was there anything you would like to add?"

Re: Beginners

[mycanonhatesme]

Chloe smiles back at him, chewing on her pencil to stifle any giggling that might threaten to escape at the sight of him gesturing and babbling happily. "No sir, I think you covered everything I wanted to add," she replies.

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

Charlie looks a little sheepish. "I get carried away sometimes."

Re: Beginners

[mycanonhatesme]

Chloe lets herself giggle now. "It's not getting carried away. You're just eager to share with us. That's not such a bad thing."

Re: Beginners

[likeguidelines.livejournal.com]

"I be findin' it fascinatin' that one o' the first mathematical concepts be distances as layed out in a map. Even the cavemen be needin' t'find their way home or to food or treasure, I suppose."

Re: Beginners

[charlieeppes.livejournal.com]

"Oh, hey, you're not a parrot anymore," Charlie comments, sounding maybe a little disappointed. That had been a very pretty parrot, after all. "And a lot of our ancestors were nomads and traders."