Applied Mathematics in High Schools. Some Lessons from the War

Abstract

The war revealed to us America unprepared in mathematical training as in most other respects. A Colonel in Camp Upton reported as follows: “More men are required at Camp Taylor for the Field Artillery and no more can be found in this Camp who have the required mathematical training.” What was this required training? The circular from Camp Taylor read: “Algebra through quadratics and Plane Geometry. The solution of triangles by Trigonometry is advised, but not required for entrance.” As a matter of fact the essential algebra as revealed by the examinations set included hardly more than the use of formulas and ratio and proportion, while the goemetry was only mensuration. The original intention of the examiners for the Field Artillery School was to require all candidates to be graduates of high schools, but it was soon evident that this standard could not be maintained and an adequate supply of men secured. For the school at Fort Monroe, where men were trained for the Heavy or Coast Artillery, the requirement in mathematics was considerably more, including Plane Trigonometry.