Object Details
maker
Ross, W. W.
Description
This is the third in a series of models of plane figures (surface forms) designed by William Wallace Ross, a school superintendent and mathematics teacher in Fremont, Ohio. The model is a 6 inch by 4 inch rectangle, divided into 24 one inch by one inch squares. A paper label attached to the model reads: Oblong 4x6.
Comparing its area to that of a 6 inch by 1 inch rectangle (1985.0112.191), Ross noted that the area was four times 6 square inches, or 24 square inches. He generalized to argue that the area of a rectangle equaled the number of square units corresponding to the product of the length times the breadth.
Compare models 1985.0112.190 through 1985.0112.202. For further information about Ross models, including references, see 1985.0112.190.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Wesleyan University
date made
ca 1895
ID Number
1985.0112.191
accession number
1985.0112
catalog number
1985.0112.191
Object Name
geometric model
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1 cm x 15.2 cm x 2.5 cm; 13/32 in x 5 31/32 in x 31/32 in
place made
United States: Ohio, Fremont
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Arithmetic Teaching
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_694068