Frequently Asked Questions

What is History of Maths and x?

All being well, a series of talks, articles and podcasts giving a mathematical history of various topics, x.

What's with the x?

The idea is that the x changes to different topics and History of maths and x provides a mathematical history of some aspect of each x.

How frequently will new output be available?

Hard to say. Certainly not at regular intervals. I intend there to be several topics covered per year but it will not be weekly or monthly or anything like that.

When will the next topic be online?

Hard to say. Even if a topic is given as a talk that doesn't mean technical glitches won't prevent it being recorded. If you want to be updated when a new talk is available online you can subscribe to the History of Maths and x video podcast. To get new companion podcast episodes subscribe to the Travels in a Mathematical World podcast. To get new articles you can subscribe to iSquared Magazine.

Who produces History of Maths and x?

The room and facilities for giving the talks are provided by the University of Nottingham as is the automated lecture capture system used to record the talks. Talks are advertised by the University of Nottingham Mathsoc and attended by students at Nottingham. Talks are written up as articles and published by iSquared Magazine. A companion podcast is released through the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) via the Travels in a Mathematical World podcast. Peter Rowlett writes and performs the output, edits the recordings, runs the website and makes the tea.

Aren't you Peter Rowlett?

I am asked this surprisingly often. Yes, I am.

The same Peter Rowlett who works as Technology Enhanced Learning Officer at the University of Nottingham?

Yes, that's the one.

The same Peter Rowlett who works as University Liaison Officer for the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)?

Yes, that one too.

The same Peter Rowlett who presents the Travels in a Mathematical World podcast?

Yes indeed.

The same Peter Rowlett who....?

Possibly. You can find out more about Peter Rowlett at his website peterrowlett.net.

Who funds the History of Maths and x?

The University of Nottingham provide lecture facilities, lecture capture facilities and are involved in video distribution. The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) release the audio podcast. iSquared Magazine publish the article. I'm sure all these activities incur a cost and I am very grateful to these organisations for providing these for free. Peter Rowlett provides his time.

Are you working for the University of Nottingham when you write, give the talks or generally do any aspect of the History of Maths and x?

No.

Are you working for the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) when you write or give the talk or podcast or any aspect of the History of Maths and x?

No.

So who employs you to/pays you to/makes you give the talks/podcasts/articles?

No one.

So why do you do this?

Fun.

Are you an expert on x? Can I ask you in depth questions about x? Can you help me with my project on x?

I am interested in using these topics for maths communication but I am not a researcher or otherwise an expert in these topics.

Can I ask you to give a talk at my...?

Yes. No promises though. You can send me a message using the information on the contact page.

Can I come along to a recording?

I suppose so. These take place at the University of Nottingham. Contact me to ask about this. It's not that exciting!

Can I request a topic?

Yes. No promises though. You can send me a message using the information on the contact page.

I have an idea to improve History of Maths and x; can I tell you about it?

That's lovely. You can contact me to tell me your idea but please be aware what is done here is often based on what is practical to achieve rather than what would be the perfect output in an ideal world.

I have spotted an error; what shall I do?

This is quite possible. I'm only human afetr all. Once published, the content is difficult to retract and edit but I am happy to be told about errors so I can publish errata and learn. Please use the information on the contact page to tell me about this. Thank you.

Are these questions really 'frequently asked'?

Let's say it's a very small sample size.

I have a question not answered here.

In that case, please contact me to ask it.