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Maths History

Children who changed maths

Collect stories of young problem solvers and inventors to inspire junior mathematicians.

Quick answer

Children have changed maths by solving problems, inventing new ideas, and asking curious questions that helped shape how we understand numbers, shapes, and patterns today.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how children like you have made important discoveries and changes in maths, and you can think of new ways to solve problems like a mathematician. Success signs:
  • You can name at least one child who changed maths
  • You can explain how that child’s idea helped others
  • You can think of a problem you might solve like a mathematician
  • You can show how maths can be used to make new things

Why this matters

Maths is not just about numbers and calculations. It is about curiosity, creativity, and solving problems. When children ask questions, find new ways to solve problems, or invent new ideas, they can change the way we think about maths. Learning about children who changed maths helps you see that you can also be a mathematician and make discoveries.

How it works

Maths changes when people think of new ways to solve problems or notice patterns. Some children were curious and asked questions like: “What if we could count backwards?” or “What if we used shapes to make new patterns?” These questions led to new ideas in maths. We will look at stories of children who asked big questions, worked on problems, and changed how we understand maths.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real stories of children who changed maths. 1. Hypatia of Alexandria (350–415 AD) Hypatia was a woman who lived in Egypt. She was one of the first people to teach maths and astronomy. She helped people understand how to use maths to study the stars. Even though she was not a child, her story shows how curiosity and learning can change the world. She taught many people and helped them understand complex ideas. 2. Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) Srinivasa was a child in India who loved maths. He discovered many new ideas in numbers, even though he had very little formal schooling. He was so good at maths that he even wrote to famous mathematicians in England and got help from them. His ideas helped change how we think about numbers today. 3. Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) Katherine was a child who loved to count and solve puzzles. She grew up to become a brilliant mathematician who worked with NASA. She helped calculate the paths for space missions. Her work helped people travel to the moon and back safely. She showed how maths can be used in space. 4. Maria Montessori (1870–1952) Maria was a child who loved learning. She grew up to become a teacher who changed how children learn. She made new ways to teach maths and science, using hands-on tools and activities. Her ideas are still used in schools today. These stories show that even young children can change maths by asking questions, solving problems, and creating new ideas.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a maths adventure! You are a young explorer who has found a strange book in an old library. The book is full of puzzles and problems that no one has solved yet. You must solve one puzzle to unlock the next page of the book. Step 1: Look at the puzzle on the first page: “How many ways can you make 12 using only addition and subtraction with numbers 1 to 5?” Step 2: Try to find 5 different ways to make 12. Step 3: Write down your answers. Step 4: When you find a way, you unlock the next page of the book. Keep going until you solve all 5 puzzles. Here are 5 puzzles for you to solve:
  1. Make 10 using only 1 to 4
  2. Make 15 using only 1 to 6
  3. Make 8 using only 1 to 3
  4. Make 20 using only 1 to 7
  5. Make 18 using only 1 to 8

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that only adults can change maths. Why it happens: People think that only grown-ups with degrees can do maths. Fix: Remember that children like you can also ask questions, solve problems, and make discoveries!
  • Mistake: Believing that maths is only about numbers. Why it happens: Some children only see maths as adding and subtracting. Fix: Maths is also about shapes, patterns, and solving puzzles!
  • Mistake: Thinking that you have to be perfect to be a mathematician. Why it happens: Some children are afraid to make mistakes. Fix: Mistakes help us learn. Every mathematician makes mistakes!

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children by:
  • Encouraging questions like “What if?” and “How can we do this differently?”
  • Letting children explore maths in real life, like cooking or building
  • Reading stories of children who changed maths together
  • Helping children solve problems in fun ways
  • Not worrying if the child gets the answer wrong—encourage thinking
Here are some tips for 5-10 minutes of fun:
  1. Ask your child to think of a problem they could solve
  2. Look at a pattern in nature or in a book
  3. Count how many steps it takes to get from the kitchen to the living room
  4. Try to make a shape with blocks or drawing
  5. Ask them to explain how they solved a problem

Practice questions

  1. Who was a child who changed maths by discovering new number ideas?
  2. What did Katherine Johnson do with maths?
  3. What is one way children can change maths?
  4. How did Srinivasa Ramanujan help maths?
  5. What did Maria Montessori do to change how children learn?
Answers:
  1. Srinivasa Ramanujan
  2. She calculated space paths for NASA
  3. By asking questions, solving puzzles, or inventing new ideas
  4. He discovered new patterns in numbers
  5. She created new ways to teach children using hands-on tools

FAQ

Q: Can children really change maths?

A: Yes! Children have asked questions, solved problems, and made new discoveries that changed how we think about maths.

Q: What is the most important thing about maths?

A: The most important thing is that maths helps us solve problems and understand the world around us.

Q: How can I be like a child who changed maths?

A: Ask questions, try new ideas, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can solve problems in your own way!

Q: Are there any other children who changed maths?

A: Yes! Many children have changed maths in different ways, from inventing new games to discovering patterns in nature.

Q: Why do we learn about children who changed maths?

A: Learning about these children inspires you to think like a mathematician and shows you that you can make discoveries too.