Robert Baldwin Hayward facts for kids

Robert Baldwin Hayward (born March 7, 1829 – died February 2, 1903) was an English teacher and a brilliant mathematician. He made important contributions to how math was taught and understood in his time.

Robert Hayward's Early Life and Education

Robert Baldwin Hayward was born on March 7, 1829, in a place called Bocking, Essex, England. His father, also named Robert Hayward, came from a very old Quaker family. However, his father left the Quaker community when he married Ann Baldwin, Robert's mother.

Young Robert went to University College, London for his education. Later, in 1846, he joined St John's College, Cambridge. He was a very smart student and graduated in 1850 as the fourth-best math student, known as a 'wrangler'. This was a big achievement at Cambridge University.

After graduating, he became a 'fellow' at St John's College. This meant he was a senior member of the college, helping with teaching and research. He held this position from 1852 to 1860. From 1852 to 1855, he also worked as an assistant tutor, helping younger students with their studies.

Hayward's Career as a Teacher and Professor

In 1855, Robert Hayward moved to Durham University. There, he became a math tutor and taught about natural philosophy, which is an old term for physics. He stayed at Durham for four years, sharing his knowledge with university students.

In 1859, Hayward took on a new challenge. He became a math teacher at Harrow School, a famous school in England. He worked at Harrow for a very long time, 35 years in total, until 1893. During his time there, he made big changes to how mathematics was taught. He helped make math lessons better and more interesting for students.

Hayward was also a leader in the world of math education. From 1878 to 1889, he was the president of a group called the Association for the Improvement of Geometrical Teaching. This group later became known as the Mathematical Association, which still exists today.

Hayward's Contributions to Mathematics

Robert Hayward wrote several important books and papers about mathematics. In 1895, he published a small book called Hints on teaching Arithmetic, which gave advice on how to teach basic math. He also wrote a textbook titled Elementary Solid Geometry in 1890, which helped students understand shapes in three dimensions.

Another important book he wrote was The Algebra of Coplanar Vectors and Trigonometry in 1899. This book covered more advanced math topics like vectors and trigonometry. He also published his research in well-known math journals, like the Transactions of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.

Hayward was recognized for his important work in mathematics. On June 1, 1876, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists and mathematicians in the United Kingdom. He earned this recognition for his work on a method called 'moving axes', which is used in advanced geometry and physics. He also wrote an article about "Proportional Representation" in a magazine called Nineteenth Century in 1884, showing his interest in how voting systems could be made fairer.

Robert Hayward's Personal Life and Hobbies

Besides his work in math, Robert Hayward had other interests. He loved climbing mountains and was one of the first members of the Alpine Club. This club was started in 1858 for people who enjoyed mountain climbing. He was a member until 1865.

In 1860, Robert Hayward married Marianne Rowe. Her sister was married to another famous mathematician, Henry William Watson. Robert and Marianne had a big family with two sons and four daughters. One of their sons, Sir Maurice Henry Weston Hayward, became a well-known colonial administrator in India.

Robert Baldwin Hayward passed away on February 2, 1903, in Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight.