Blog Post #9: Was Pythagoras Chinese? article reflection

Does it make a difference to our students' learning if we acknowledge (or don't acknowledge) non-European sources of mathematics? Why, or how?

I think that it makes a difference to our students' learning if we acknowledge non-European sources of mathematics if the information can provide support for students' understanding of why we use math in a relevant way. For instance, "The Jiu Zhang suahshu gave the reader the tools to solve problems and did not concern itself with proving the authenticity of the tools", whereas "The elements was nearly the opposite, as its chief concern was giving rigorous proof of ideas presented.". In this way, a students' learning is further supported because this gives the perspective that math is not only about proving what is true, but it is about applying it in problem solving.  Sometimes, to teach basic concepts to school students, a rigorous proof might be confusing and too complicated. Some perspectives from different cultures might give students and easier grasp on the concept than others. For example, when looking at the Greek vs. Chinese mathematicians ways of determining pi, we understand that the "Chinese proof requires little background knowledge due to its visual nature" using a method of circle division instead of squaring the circle as the Greeks did. 

What are your thoughts about naming of the Pythagorean Theorem, and other named mathematical theorems and concepts (for example, Pascal's Triangle... check out its history.)

I think that the naming of Pythagorean Theorem and other named mathematical theorems should be named based on which person brought a greater influence to its application across the world. In my opinion, I don't believe that it should be based on who necessarily discovered it first. I would argue this because the theorem was not only discovered and proven by a particular mathematician, but that mathematician recorded the theorem and made sure to spread influence so that people of all classes can benefit from this knowledge in their work and daily lives. It was discovered that Pythagoras had proven his theorem and became well known for it by introducing it to society in his cult; also 'European jesuit missionaries began entering China in early 17th century" to spread their scientific influence while being influenced by Chinese perspectives, in which the Europeans spread math knowledge around the world to implement science into improving the lives of many. Although I think that this is the way that theorems should be named, I believe that others who have contributed towards the proving of the theorem should be credited for their perspective as well because it is equally as valuable.