The American Mathematical Monthly
Benjamin Finkel launched The American Mathematical Monthly in 1894 with a singular vision for the field. That first year, twelve distinct issues appeared on newsstands and library shelves. Single issues for July through August and September through October followed in 1895. In 1896, June through July and August through September became single issues as well. This irregular schedule defined the journal's initial decade of existence.
John M. Colaw served as editor from January 1894 until January 1902. Benjamin Finkel returned to edit the publication again between October 1905 and January 1934. Emory P. Starke held the role from January 1947 until his death in August 1979. Howard W. Eves edited the journal from August 1945 until April 1964. Daniel Ullman took over editing duties starting in January 1997 and continued until January 2017. Vadim Ponomarenko currently serves as editor-in-chief at San Diego State University.
The Problems and Solutions section has invited readers to propose challenging mathematical problems since 1894. As of 2025, more than twelve thousand problem proposals have appeared within its pages. Specific departments like Algebra, Arithmetic, Calculus, Diophantine, Geometry, Mechanics, and Miscellaneous categories track these submissions. The table lists solutions based on a premise that something was published which justifies excluding the problem proposal from a list of unsolved problems. For example, Calculus 360 is a question whose answer has no truth value and is thus unsolvable in a certain sense. A mere reply to such a question qualifies as a solution in the table.
The journal gives the Lester R. Ford Award annually to authors of articles of expository excellence. This award recognizes work published directly within the Monthly itself. It honors those who write with clarity and broad interest for a wide audience ranging from undergraduate students to research professionals. Articles are chosen on the basis of their broad interest and reviewed and edited for quality of exposition as well as content.
The only year in which the Monthly was true to its name was 1894 when twelve issues were published. Single issues for July through August and September through October appeared in 1895. In 1896 June through July and August through September became single issues. The modern issue-numbering scheme from one to ten did not begin until 1913 however. Taylor & Francis now publishes the journal on behalf of the Mathematical Association of America.
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Common questions
When was The American Mathematical Monthly launched?
Benjamin Finkel launched The American Mathematical Monthly in 1894 with a singular vision for the field. That first year, twelve distinct issues appeared on newsstands and library shelves.
Who edited The American Mathematical Monthly from January 1894 until January 1902?
John M. Colaw served as editor of The American Mathematical Monthly from January 1894 until January 1902. Benjamin Finkel returned to edit the publication again between October 1905 and January 1934.
How many problem proposals have appeared in The American Mathematical Monthly as of 2025?
As of 2025, more than twelve thousand problem proposals have appeared within the pages of The American Mathematical Monthly. Specific departments like Algebra, Arithmetic, Calculus, Diophantine, Geometry, Mechanics, and Miscellaneous categories track these submissions.
What is the purpose of the Lester R. Ford Award given by The American Mathematical Monthly?
The journal gives the Lester R. Ford Award annually to authors of articles of expository excellence published directly within The American Mathematical Monthly. It honors those who write with clarity and broad interest for a wide audience ranging from undergraduate students to research professionals.
When did the modern issue-numbering scheme begin for The American Mathematical Monthly?
The modern issue-numbering scheme from one to ten for The American Mathematical Monthly did not begin until 1913. Taylor & Francis now publishes the journal on behalf of the Mathematical Association of America.