Mathematical Motivators: Using the history of mathematics to enrich the curriculum

This article provides a summary of the MSOR funded mini project Mathematical Motivators.

Mathematics is usually and of course correctly presented ‘ready-made’ to students with techniques and applications presented systematically and in a logical order. However like any other academic subject mathematics has a history which is rich in astonishing breakthroughs false starts misattributions confusions and dead-ends. This history gives a narrative and human context which adds colour and context to the discipline.