Were the Founding Fathers Math Geniuses?

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America’s Founding Fathers – notably George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander
Hamilton and James Madison – were mathematically literate people before math software was invented. They skillfully used their knowledge to solve difficult problems central to the well-being of our new government and our strength as a people.

Consider the debate about how to fairly apportion members of congress to each state.

The Hamilton/Vinton method of apportionment divides each state’s population by the total
population per elected seat, which inevitably results in fractional numbers of representatives. It took the Founding Fathers many pages of formulae and calculations to work out a solution that avoided that outcome – a complex challenge, but the Founding Fathers were up to it! Without having to call on a commission of experts, they worked their way through the thicket of mathematical issues and came up with an elegant solution that combined elements of direct and proportional democracy.

Our early Presidents were equipped to apply their scientific knowledge to the application of democratic ideas as they conceived them.

Math Tips for Teens and Parents of Teens

Many students report trouble studying for a math exam. Studying math is a little different from studying history or a foreign language. All of your subjects are developmental. That means that concepts build in complexity and they refer back to previous concepts. If you do not understand and apply the earlier concepts, you are likely to have a harder time with the concepts introduced later. It is very helpful to have  step-by-step math software to help students internalize concepts.

Enrichment

Even though you may secretly fear that you lack the proficiency to involve your children in math-based activities, your role in enrichment is key – and you can do it! Aside for buying them math software or other learning gadgets, you should involve them in real life math activities.

Fall Tips to Help Your Child Succeed in Math

As a parent, you are in a unique position to help set your child on a course toward math success. Here are four things you can do now that will make a difference all year long: