History and philosophy of maths · Accessible · Dissertation or artefact

Ada Lovelace and Note G: a maths EPQ idea

Why it works as an EPQ

Note G sets out a method for computing Bernoulli numbers. You can work through the mathematics and weigh the historical claim.

Scope and difficulty

Accessible. Accessible. An artefact version could implement her method in modern code.

The maths

Builds on these A Level topics: Sequences and series · Algebra and functions.

You would learn:

• Bernoulli numbers
• Recurrence relations
• Algorithms and loops

Learning maths beyond the course is expected in a maths EPQ, but you must understand and explain everything you use.

One possible plan

1. Explain Bernoulli numbers and one recurrence for them.
2. Work through the method in Note G.
3. Implement it in modern code and compare.
4. Weigh the competing historical views.

Pitfalls

• Hero worship or dismissal without evidence.
• Skipping the mathematics of the Bernoulli numbers.

Where to start reading

• Search for: Ada Lovelace Note G Bernoulli numbers
• MacTutor History of Mathematics (University of St Andrews)

Prefer books, lecture notes, journal articles and official data to a single website, and record every source as you read (how to reference).

Making something? Read the artefact guide first: an artefact still needs a research-based written report.

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All history and philosophy of maths ideas · all 93 ideas

Your EPQ must be your own work. These pages coach: ideas, structure, checklists and planning. Submitting text, proofs, code or analysis written by someone else or by an AI tool as your own is malpractice. How to use help and AI honestly.