1. Take one homework problem you have worked on this
semester that you struggled to understand and solve,
and explain how the struggle itself was valuable.
○ In the context of this question, describe the struggle and how you
overcame the struggle. You might also discuss whether struggling built
aspects of character in you (e.g. endurance, self-confidence, competence
to solve new problems) and how these virtues might benefit you in later
ventures.
2. What mathematical ideas are you curious to know more
about as a result of taking this class?
○ Give one example of a question about the material that you’d like to
explore further, and describe why this is an interesting question to you.
3. How has your mathematical imagination been enhanced
as a result of taking this class?
○ Give at least three examples.
4. Consider one mathematical idea from the course that
you have found beautiful, and explain why it is beautiful
to you.
○ Your answer should address how this beauty is similar to or different from
other kinds of beauty that human beings encounter.
5. Give one example of a mathematical idea from this class
that you found creative, and explain what you find
creative about it.
○ For example, you can choose an instance of creativity you experienced in
your own problem-solving, or something you witnessed in another
person’s definition or reasoning.