Mathematical ages
Arrange these three famous mathematicians in order with the shortest-lived first.
Problem
Here are the dates of three pivotal female mathematicians: Sophie Germain (French) 1776-1831, Sonja Kowalevsky (Russian) 1850-91, Emmy Noether (German) 1882-1935.
Arrange them in order with the shortest-lived first.
Student Solutions
Answer: Kowalevsky, Noether, Germain
Sophie Germain lived about 1831 - 1776 = 55 years
Sonja Kowalevsky lived about 91 - 50 = 41 years
Emmy Noether lived about 1935 - 1882 = 53 years
So in order of lifetime, shortest-lived first:
Kowalevsky, Noether, Germain