[murphE]

We both can’t believe how many responses this thread has generated! I knew there were a lot of smart people on this forum, but I am overwhelmed by how many of you have taken the time to generously share your knowledge and in some cases, humor.

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions - you've given my daughter plenty of information to get her started. I think I pinged everyone who responded, but if I missed anyone I apologize.

[Daffynition]

You’re both very welcome. Tell your daughter the pressure is on ... we want a notarized photo of her report card otherwise we’ll be forced to organize a FReep at her school. ;)

[MarkL]

You know, I think that it was touched on by some people here, but I think that a very interesting term paper could be done on mathematical applications in "normal life." I mean, every aspect of life. For instance, the AC current that lights your room requires imaginary numbers. The math required for use in microwave oven, and even the new inductive heat element ranges. The math involved in designing limited flow shower heads. The calculus required in painting oddly shaped structures. As has been posted, there are so many people who think that they never will need to use math. It seems that could be a very interesting project that could fill 10 pages, and at the same time, isn't just a paper of proofs.

Mark

[scrabblehack]

I often wondered if there was some way to respond to everyone who responded to a topic — I guess not — you have to sift through and find every name.

Here’s an idea — it’s a wild conjecture on my part. Take a look at “Geodesy for the Layman.”

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PUBS_LIB/Geodesy4Layman/TR80003A.HTM#ZZ4

Note that Newton and Huygens (both from Protestant countries) thought there was an equatorial bulge, while Picard and Cassini (both from Catholic countries) believed in a polar bulge. I often wondered if this was the inspiration for “Gulliver’s Travels.” The novel came out in 1726, and the dispute wasn’t settled until 1735. I’m not sure whether Swift had an interest in geodesy though.

[RightWhale]

Here’s the deal: my senior year math prof is a Russian. His first words to the fall semester class in real analysis were ‘In your math education you were cheated. We will learn math now.’ He was right on the mark.

Odds are excellent most are cheated in their math education in the USA. USA math/science students score 23 out of 30 among industrialized countries now. Don’t allow this to happen to your student.