STORIES

The history of mathematics is rife with the most wonderful, inspiring and intriguing stories. Sharing these stories with children of all ages at home and through our school curricula is not just enjoyable (for the adult as well as the child), not just 'important for their own sake,' but also, to continue the words of Mary Myatt, because they provide 'the power to open up the imagination, create the background for a new unit [and] provide a context for the big ideas and concepts.' Moreover, teaching through or with stories can provide deeper, 'psychologically privileged' learning, as Daniel Willingham illustrates in summarising research from cognitive science around the effect of stories on learning. 

This page collects posts about some of the stories of mathematics that we can use as a background to our teaching. They reveal some of the history of mathematics, the achievements of the people involved and the context of the time, framing its development into the diverse and inclusive discipline we know and love today. As well as aiding the teaching of specific mathematical knowledge and development of mathematical skill, the stories induce an appreciation of the mathematical character, its multicultural development, and the traits that solving problems demand and, indeed, grow. Using and sharing these stories will enrich the teaching of the mathematics itself.

Clicking on the title links will take you to the full story in a new window, where you will also find links for resources to download and use in the classroom, along with links to sources and further reading should you want to explore more.  

The First Equation

The 'First Equation' is a story about the evolution of the notation we use for addition (+), subtraction (–), and equality (=), which led to the first time an equation was written using the modern notation we use today, 14x + 15 = 71.

10 Mathsy Picture Books

A list of mathsy picture books intended to be shared and enjoyed together, at home, or indeed school. They are books that make no attempt to teach mathematics, but by celebrating mathematics and mathematicians, and, indeed, the mathematicians in all of us, frame mathematics as the quiet protagonist. They are books that do not propagate the exclusivist view of the exceptional that for many is associated with mathematics, but rather tell stories that will embolden young minds and invoke a sense of possibility and awe. Whilst they are all founded in and framed by mathematics, they reveal deeper cultural stories, gently exposing children to themes of mindset, resilience, equality and inclusion. 

The Most Dangerous Problem

The Most Dangerous Problem Problem is a story about the Collatz conjecture, one of the most famous (or to some, infamous) unsolved problems in mathematics. It is a story that will help students appreciate the beautiful hidden depths of mathematics, the difference between demonstration and proof, and the excitement that surprising and difficult problems invoke in the mathematics community. Moreover, it will encourage students to frame their own learning as part of the tradition in mathematics of pure intellectual pursuit for its own sake. It can be used by teachers to support their teaching of substitution, algorithmic thinking and iteration.

The Absurd Equation

The 'Absurd Equation' is a story about the work of Greek mathematician Diophantus, the problems he posed and the developments that they provoked. It s a story that will help students appreciate the diversity inherent in the development of mathematics; let them frame their own learning not just a function of that diversity, but also as an intrinsic part to the continuing story of mathematics. It can be used by teachers to support their teaching of setting up and solving algebraic equations to solve problems.

The Sophie Germain Identity

Marie-Sophie Germain (1776-1831) was an extraordinary mathematician. Forbidden to attend University, Germain famously taught herself, reading Newton, Euler and others. She corresponded with preeminent mathematicians of the time, most notably Adrien-Marie Legendre, Joseph-Louis Lagrange and Carl Friedrich Gauss. But to circumnavigate the prejudices of 19th-century French society that threatened to impede her way in mathematics, Germain assumed a man's identity, writing under the nom de plume of a Monsieur LeBlanc. Germain is now noted for her work across a range of disciplines, from number theory to physics and astronomy, and she is widely recognised as one of the first women to make significant and original contributions to mathematical research. This story, by using the task to prove the Sophie Germain Identity, can be used by teachers to support their teaching of algebraic manipulation and proof.