In this assignment, you will be learning some about the people who have made contributions to make mathematics what it is today. Mathematics has a rich history due to the fact that it has intrigued individuals for thousands of years. Pick three mathematicians and write biographies on each one. One must be an ancient mathematician (BC – 1000s AD); another, a renaissance mathematician (1400s – 1700s); and the last, a modern mathematician (1800s – present). Each biography should be written with the APA style of the reference citation and sources may be online or traditional written sources. A biography should be 2-3 pages and contain the following:
- Date and place of birth and death (if applicable)
- Brief Summary of life and education
- What is/are his/her major contribution(s) to mathematics
- One or more unusual fact about their life
Note: If you are unsure of how to do APA style, check with your English teacher or media specialist.
- MacTutor History of Mathematics: http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/
- Mathematicians of the 17th and 18th centuries: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/HistMath/People/RBallHist.html
- Biographies of Women Mathematicians: http://www.scottlan.edu/lriddle/women/women.html