LibGuides: Mathematics: Introduction: Topics

Some famous problems

10 easy looking math problems that are very difficult to solve!

4-Color Theorem
The four-color theorem states that any map in a plane can be colored using four-colors in such a way that regions sharing a common boundary (other than a single point) do not share the same color.
Compass-and-straightedge construction
Compass-and-straightedge or ruler-and-compass construction is the construction of lengths, angles, and other geometric figures using only an idealized ruler and compass.
Goldbach’s Conjecture
Every even integer greater than 2 can be expressed as the sum of two primes.
Fermat’s Last Theorem
a proof that the Diophantine equation x^n+y^n=z^n has no integer solutions for n>2 and x,y,z!=0
Poincare Conjecture
The conjecture says that the three-sphere is the only type of bounded three-dimensional space possible that contains no holes.
Traveling Salesman Problem
A problem in graph theory requiring the most efficient (i.e., least total distance) Hamiltonian cycle a salesman can take through each of n cities.

History of Math

These are websites that relate specifically to the historical development of mathematics. Curated by the University of California librarian, Lydia Fletcher.

MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive
Collection of information on mathematics history.
Mathematics History Topics Index
Not sure which topic to choose? This is a great website to explore the various possibilities.
Chronological List of Mathematicians
List of mathematicians, organized by date.
History of Mathematics - Atlas
Very comprehensive look at the history of mathematics. In the Subfield section, copy the MSC subject term (i.e. 01A27 for Japan history) to use in MathSciNet.
Websites Relevant to the History of Mathematics
Extensive listings of various mathematics and history websites.
Mathematics Geneology Project
Hierarchy connecting and listing all individuals who have received a doctorate in mathematics.
Women in Mathematics
An extensive collection of resources about women in mathematics.
Mathematical Words: Origins and Sources
History of mathematical words and symbols.

Calculus

Calculus

Uses of Calculus in real life

Here is a great integration tool from the clever guys at Wolfram Alpha
online integration tool

What have the following got in common?

The Average Value of a Function
The Area under a Curve
A bag of air
The most famous car crash in history
Boxers

Read this and find out!
Head Injury Criterion

Mathematicians dog knows calculus! Really!

Discussion on who invented Calculus form BBC Radio - in our time
Melvyn Bragg and guests Patricia Fara, Simon Schaffer and Jackie Stedall discuss the dispute between Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz over who invented calculus.

Video

Homer Simpson and Fermat's last theorem

Math Anxiety

Mathematical anxiety is anxiety about one's ability to do mathematics independent of skill. Here is a link to a site on coping with math anxiety

Trigonometry

Trigonometry

check out the Exact values sin 1° to sin 90°

Heres how you do it...here

How do you feel today? How will you feel tomorrow? or next week

Ask a trig graph....!!!

read...Biorhythms

here is an online calculator

I am as open minded as the next guy and love Mathematical applications but I must point out I am just a little skeptical about this!!! Read this to help you understand why these are pseudoscientific claims - this topic will move over to my TOK box at some point!!

Sine wave in the sky over singapore!

The equation of time

Desert Ants Are Better Than Most High School Students At Trigonometry!!!!!

Here is a link to an AMAZING summary of the facts about the unit circle.

Kinetic wave sculptures

Trigonometric functions - a history

Mathematics: Introduction: Topics

Topics in Mathematics