| Girls! | |||
| Girls belong in mathematics. Because it is lovely,
and because it is tough. In the coming weeks, we will share some stories of some girls who do, or have done mathematics. Read them, read them to your daughters. Girls belong in mathematics, and as parents, we can let them know this, unequivocally. The strength of a stereotype diminishes when it sees the light of day, and when it is challenged. Kernels of the idea that girls don't belong in math or science may still lodge inside us, or our daughter's minds. Try to dislodge it, for it doesn't belong. Stay tuned to these pages for ideas, and real stories. In the meantime, enjoy some puzzles found in The Ladies' Diary, a publication that began in 1704. Answers to follow, in the coming weeks. (Also of interest: This month is the birthday of Sophie Germain, one of the great women mathematicians. Read more about her in April Tidbits and Challenges. And read the short story, On Archimedes Porch, in the summer, 1998 issue of Thema Literary Magazine, a story about a young girl, and her delights in mathematics.) ~~~~~ #3. From the Ladies' Diary, 1709: What is the length of the pendulum which will make as many vibrations in a minute as it is inches in length? (A seconds pendulum is 39.2 inches.)
|
 Puzzle #1. From the Ladies' Diary, 1707: If to my age there added be Its half, its third, and three times three; Six score and ten the sum you'd see, Pray find out what my age may be. ~~~~~ #2. From the Ladies' Diary,1712: A person being asked his age replied, if to the months of my age you add their one half and one eighth, the sum will be 442. What was his age? ~~~~~ (More of these wonderful puzzles, and much excellent information on women mathematicians can be found in Math Equals: Biographies of Women Mathematicians + Related Activities, by Teri Perl, published by Addison Wesley, 1978.) |
