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Convergence articles

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Numbers at Work: A Cultural Perspective

Essays on how number has been critical to the work of scientists through the ages.

Can You Really Derive Conic Formulae from a Cone?

As is the case with a great deal of interesting mathematics, the conic sections are believed to have been discovered in an attempt to solve a problem, a problem which on the surface seems to have nothing to do with conic sections.

Euler Squares

An elementary introduction to Euler squares and how they can be used in teacher training

The Equation that Couldn't Be Solved

A history of attempts to solve cubic and higher degree polynomial equations, including the notions of group theory and their relationship to the idea of symmetry.

'He Advanced Him 200 Lambs of Gold': The Pamiers Manuscript

Problems from a 15th-century French manuscript, including one with negative solutions.

Archimedes' Method for Computing Areas and Volumes-Introduction

Archimedes' use of the law of the lever to compute areas and volumes in The Method is discussed. Classroom ready examples are presented.

Niccolo Tartaglia's General Trattato di Numeri et Misure
Here is the title page of part I of the General Trattato di Numeri (General Treatise on Number and Measure) (1556) of Niccolo Tartaglia (1500-1557). This is an extensive work on elementary mathematics that was popular in Italy for several decades after its publication.
Great Moments in Mathematics Before 1650

A collection of short lectures by Howard Eves giving details on 20 important happenings in the history of mathematics before 1650.

Apollonius's Ellipse and Evolute Revisited
Apollonius found how to draw normals to an ellipse from points in the ellipse by using hyperbolas. A modern version is presented here.
Euler's Analysis of the Genoese Lottery
In the middle of the 18th century, King Frederick the Great of Prussia became interested in creating a lottery to raise money. As was his custom when mathematical matters were involved, he called upon Leonhard Euler for counsel.

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