MAT 300 (Both classes)          FINAL EXAM:  Take-home questions

May 16, 2004

This is an update of the exam assignment originally posted at 8:30 am on May 16.  The assignment has not changed, but two additional alternative topics have been added. 

These questions are part of the final exam and are due by 5:00pm on Friday, May 21.  You may not receive help from anyone else on these questions, except that you may discuss them with Dr. Gingrich.  You also may not give help to anyone else in the class. 

Students in the L-section should write on two (2) of the questions below.  The answers should be 250-500 words for each question.

Students in the non-L section should write on one (1) of the questions below.  The answer should be at least 250 words.

(25 points each )  Your answer should be typed, and should be based on the course text and class notes.  Note that some of these questions might require material covered in the text, but not in class.  Answers to each of the questions below should include at least four major points/developments/subtopics.   Answers to any of the questions that mention only one example will clearly be deficient.

 

A.        Discuss the evolution of algebra from approximately 500 CE to 1700 CE.  Include the evolution of our number system and our algebraic notation.  Cite specific works that were important to this development.  You should also discuss the kinds of problems that were solved.

B.         "Historiography" is defined as "the principles or methodology of historical study."  Discuss the study of the history of mathematics from a historiographical point of view.  Your answer should cover the period from 600 BCE to 1800 CE.  Be sure to give some specific examples.  The following are some things that you might want to consider:

How do we know what we know about the history of mathematics?

What kind of sources do we have?

How reliable are those sources?

 

You may not choose both this topic and E below.


 

C.                 Discuss the role of “great problems” in the history of mathematics.  Give specific examples and their impact on the development of mathematics.

 

D.                 Discuss the evolution of trigonometry.  Mention at least three mathematicians involved.

 

E.                  Discuss the role of the Islamic (“Arabic”) empire in the development of mathematics, including both the nature of mathematics worked on and the transmission of Greek and Arabic mathematics.  You may not do both this topic and #B above.


 

THE END OF THE TAKE-HOME PART OF THE FINAL EXAM