The Math Club

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82 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud

  1. Welcome to our Ted Talk: An Interview with Ted Dintersmith

    23 september 2026 · 53 min

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    All you have to do is look around to see that the world is changing very rapidly. But the course sequence of math education in American schools has changed little since the 1950s. In this episode, Pete and Noah welcome Ted Dintersmith, author of the book Aftermath, for a lively discussion about which math skills and concepts can best prepare today's students for the world of tomorrow. Lees meer

    Find Aftermath on Amazon

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:

    What mathematical skills and concepts are most important for students to learn to prepare for the future?

    Why are statistics and data analytics considered more practical than traditional high school calculus for most students?

  2. Black Hole Fun - Exploring Kaprekar's Constant

    5 augustus 2026 · 32 min

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    A close call on the Math Club holodeck sends Pete and Noah down a wormhole investigating Kaprekar's Constant. Beam aboard as we explore strange new algorithms and boldly discover what happens when numbers are put through this interesting iterative process. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode

    What is Kaprekar's constant and how does the Kaprekar process work for four-digit numbers?

    What is the maximum number of steps required for any valid four-digit number to reach Kaprekar's constant?

  3. Introducing A Novel Approach

    25 juli 2026 · 34 min

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    Hey there, Math Club. We have some exciting news to share. Noah has teamed up with yet another Pete to bring you yet another show! A Novel Approach is dedicated to creating novel length stories, produced as immersive audio productions. The first book is called "The End of Secrets", and it explores what happens when the ancient world of vampires collides with the modern world of AI. In each pair of new episodes, you'll get to hear a new chapter of the book, and then a short discussion about how that chapter was put together. We're including the first chapter here. If you like it and want more, you can find it on Apple Podcasts, or in whatever podcast app you like to use. Just search for "A Novel Approach", or use our RSS feed Lees meer

    https://anchor.fm/s/1150a6278/podcast/rss

  4. What are the Odds? - The Mathematics of Poker

    20 mei 2026 · 42 min

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    A friend's story leads Pete and Noah to dive into the high-stakes world of poker to settle a debate: does a flush really beat a straight? Using the tools of combinatorics and probability, our hosts break down the math behind five-card hands and explore how the hierarchy of the game is built upon the frequency of outcomes. Ante up... the next hand is about to begin! Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode

    How do you calculate the total number of possible five-card poker hands from a 52-card deck?

    What are the mathematical odds of being dealt a flush versus a straight in poker?

  5. Life on Math: Living Your Best Mathematical Life

    8 april 2026 · 42 min

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    A chat with Alexa leads Pete to contemplate what it looks like to lead his best mathematical life. But what does that mean? In this episode, Pete and Noah discuss ways to view mathematics not as a rigid school subject, but as a "grand adventure" that is constantly present in your life. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What does it mean to live a mathematical life?
    • How can the "I Notice, I Wonder" framework be used to find math in everyday life?

  6. Around the World in 20 Problems: World Math Day 2026

    25 februari 2026 · 44 min

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    In this episode, veteran educator Sheila Robitaille joins Pete and Noah to discuss World Math Day, a global competition for students ages 5 to 18 that promotes mathematical fluency through 60-second "live Mathletics" games. The conversation highlights the 2026 theme, "United by Numbers," exploring how gamification can foster a growth mindset and make math fun and engaging for kids at all levels of math proficiency. Lees meer

    Register your child or students for World Math Day 2026

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is World Math Day and who is eligible to participate in the competition?
    • How does the gamification of mathematics help students develop a growth mindset and academic perseverance?

  7. One More Time: The Oddities of Benford's Law

    28 januari 2026 · 45 min

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    If we asked all of our listeners to look up the current population of their hometown and email us just the first digit of that number, what do you expect we'd find? Would the digits be evenly distributed, or would some be more common than others? In this episode, we look at Benford's Law, and learn some surprising truths about the distribution of numbers in natural data sets. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is Benford's Law and how does it predict the frequency of leading digits in data sets?
    • Why do natural data sets like city populations and surface areas often follow a logarithmic distribution of first digits?

  8. Partial Credit: Exploring Luhn's Algorithm

    24 december 2025 · 30 min

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    Ever wonder how a website knows your credit card number is "invalid" before you even hit the submit button? In this commando-style holiday episode, Pete and Noah dive into the secrets of Luhn's Algorithm, a clever approach that uses simple arithmetic to validate sequences of digits. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How does the Luhn algorithm work to validate credit card numbers?
    • Why do credit card companies use a checksum digit?

  9. My Favorite Number - Listeners Share Their Favorite Numbers

    17 december 2025 · 41 min

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    It's a simple question: What's your favorite number? But as Pete and Noah discover in this special episode, the answers are anything but simple—they're deeply personal, surprisingly mathematical, and always connected to a story. Join our hosts as they open up the floor to listeners, friends, and family to find out their favorite numbers and the fascinating reasons behind their choices. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What numbers do people choose as their favorite number?
    • What are some reasons people choose certain numbers as their favorite?

  10. Bonus Material - Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There!

    1 oktober 2025 · 1 min

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    Hey there Math Club. Our most recent episode, Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There, was our second special episode made specifically for kids. When Noah was planning how he wanted to use the episode with his own third grade class, he knew that some visuals would come in handy, so he created a slide deck with images to go along with each problem that the students will have to solve. Lees meer

    If you'd like to use this resource along with the audio, you can find it by going to: https://bit.ly/mcj_zoo

    We hope you find these images to be fun and helpful, and we'll see you next time!

  11. Math Club Junior: It's a Zoo Out There

    24 september 2025 · 28 min

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    In this long-awaited followup to our popular Math Club Junior episode, Pete and Noah are back with Mrs. Morrison's class, as chaperones on a field trip to the local zoo. Listen in as our group of Junior Zookeepers meet a whole new cast of zany characters, and once again learn that math is everywhere if you just look around. And just like last time, this story is full of interesting math challenges for listeners in the upper elementary grades to enjoy and solve. Lees meer

    • A slide deck with visuals to go along with each problem from the story

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  12. Means of Transportation: The Mean Value Theorem and Average Speed Zones

    13 augustus 2025 · 34 min

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    A family visit to the Netherlands introduces Pete to the idea of average speed zones, which illustrate a particularly interesting mathematical theorem. Join our hosts as they really go off on a tangent about the mean value theorem, and how it just might get you a speeding ticket. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is an average speed zone and how does it work to catch speeding drivers?
    • What is the Mean Value Theorem and how does it relate average rates of change to instantaneous rates of change?

  13. Q.E.D.: The Proving of Fermat's Last Theorem

    26 juni 2025 · 50 min

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    It's finally here! Part Three of the Fermat Trilogy! In this exciting conclusion, Pete and Noah talk about the mathematicians who ultimately proved (or thought they'd proven) Fermat's Last Theorem. Join us for the final chapter of this riveting 350 year journey! Lees meer

    The Proof - Nova Documentary on Andrew Wiles's proof

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • Who proved Fermat's Last Theorem?
    • How does the Taniyama-Shimura conjecture relate to the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem?

  14. Sophie's Chase: More History of Fermat's Last Theorem

    7 mei 2025 · 42 min

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    Join us for part two of our deep dive into the history of Fermat's Last Theorem. In this episode, Pete and Noah focus on the fascinating story of Sophie Germain, a 19th century French mathematician who pursued a proof in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Come learn about this impressive chapter in the saga of one of the most interesting problems in mathematical history. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What work did Sophie Germain do to advance the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem?
    • Why is it sufficient to prove Fermat's Last Theorem only for prime exponents?

  15. Non-trivial Pursuit: The History of Fermat's Last Theorem

    9 april 2025 · 36 min

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    A few episodes back, our hosts talked about the great unsolved mathematical problems of our time, and Pete teased an interesting story about one such problem that was finally solved not too long ago. In this first of a two-part episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Fermat's Last Theorem... from its inception, to Fermat's bold claim that he had a proof that he couldn't share, to the mathematical greats of yesteryear who took up the challenge to prove it. Join us for a look into this intriguing conjecture, and its amazing history. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What does Fermat's Last Theorem state and how does it relate to the Pythagorean Theorem?
    • Why is it called Fermat's Last Theorem?

  16. The Rules They Are A-Changin': A Conversation with Fluxx Creator Andrew Looney

    5 maart 2025 · 45 min

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    In this episode, Pete and Noah are joined by Andy Looney, the creator of the card game Fluxx, to talk about Math Fluxx and his history designing games. Whether you're a math person who loves a good game or a game person who loves to do math, we're sure you'll find Andy and his story to be interestingly enjoyable. Game on! Lees meer

    Looney Labs

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is Math Fluxx and how do you play it?
    • How did Andy Looney come up with Math Fluxx and other Fluxx games?

  17. A Wrinkle in Spacetime: A Mathematical Discussion about Spacetime

    12 februari 2025 · 39 min

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    If you've ever seen a science fiction movie or TV show, then you've heard of the spacetime continuum. But what is it, and is there math that describes it? In this episode, Pete and Noah dive into the facts about spacetime, and its fascinating mathematical history. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the mathematical definition of spacetime?
    • How does the Lorentz factor explain time dilation in special relativity?

  18. I Have a Little Bias: The Mathematics of Dreidel

    18 december 2024 · 50 min

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    It's the holiday season, and Pete and Noah are getting into the festive spirit by looking at the math behind a favorite Hannukah game. Join our hosts as they delve into the probabilities of the dreidel and uncover a counterintuitive truth about its fairness. Whatever traditions you and your family look forward to at this time of year, we promise a lively and interesting time as we take this topic for a spin. Seasons Greetings! Lees meer

    • Robert Feinerman's paper, An Ancient Unfair Game

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • Why is the game of dreidel mathematically unfair, and which player has the statistical advantage?
    • How do the different possible outcomes of each dreidel spin affect the expected value of the pot for each player?

  19. Video Bonus: Finding Primo

    22 november 2024 · 7 min

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    In our last episode, finding Primo, Pete explained a couple of tests that mathematicians use when trying to decide if very large numbers are prime. We thought it might be helpful to see the math written down, so we put together this video bonus. Lees meer

    Finding Primo - full episode

  20. Finding Primo: The Search for Very Large Primes

    20 november 2024 · 47 min

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    Have you heard the big news? There's a new largest known prime number, and Noah wants to know how it was discovered. In this episode, Pete explains the various tests used to determine the primality of insanely large numbers, and there's even a prime challenge for you to sink your teeth into. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How are new prime numbers discovered?
    • What are Mersenne primes and how are they calculated?

  21. Talkin' 'bout My Generation: A Deep Dive into The Math Club

    6 november 2024 · 27 min

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    Are you ready to revisit the best of The Math Club? Pete and Noah share a trip down memory lane with a pair of special guests. But as they dive deeper into their past episodes, a nagging feeling grows harder to ignore.. Who are these mysterious guests, and what strange secret are they hiding from our hosts? Lees meer

    Episodes we reference in our conversation:

    Tales from Decrypt

    Positive Thinking

    Discovery vs. Invention

    MathGPT

    Try out NotebookLM

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  22. Elective Procedures: The Mathematics of Voting Systems

    23 oktober 2024 · 44 min

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    The memory of a restaurant-choosing game from grad school inspires Pete and Noah to look at different voting systems, and the math behind how they work to select a winning candidate. From standard majority rules to ranked choice to plurality with elimination, join our hosts for a lively (and timely) conversation about how our voting system can be just as important as our vote. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the Borda count method and how is it used in ranked choice voting?
    • How does plurality with elimination redistribute votes to determine a winner?

  23. Two Heads are Better Than One: A Counterintuitive Coin Flipping Problem

    2 oktober 2024 · 38 min

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    An unlikely string of coin flips leads to a conversation about a counterintuive puzzle that Pete found online. Join in on the fun as Pete and Noah dissect this problem, and talk about multiple ways to approach understanding its solution. Lees meer

    • Daniel Litt's Twitter post with the puzzle

    • Noah's Scratch simulation of the problem

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are the odds of flipping n heads in a row?
    • In the Daniel Litt coin puzzle, who is more likely to find two heads first: Alice or Bob?

  24. Mini Series

    18 september 2024 · 5 min

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    Hey Math Club... Pete and Noah need your help with a data mystery, so they put this mini-episode together. If you think you have any info that can help shed some light, drop us a line... Lees meer

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  25. Houston, We Have Some Problems: Currently Unsolved Math Questions

    11 september 2024 · 35 min

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    Unsolved. From the origin of Stonehenge, to the identity of Jack the Ripper, to the location of all those missing dryer socks, the world is full of unsolved questions. But what about math? Join Pete and Noah as they discuss some of the great unsolved problems facing mathematicians today. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are some unanswered problems in mathematics.
    • What is the Goldbach conjecture and how does it relate to prime numbers?
    • What is the Twin Prime conjecture and how are these pairs distributed along the number line?

  26. Making it Count: An Interview with MATHCOUNTS

    28 augustus 2024 · 43 min

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    Pete's efforts to help Noah prepare for an upcoming math competition lead to a conversation with Kristen Chandler, the executive director of MATHCOUNTS. Join Pete and Noah as they learn about this fascinating organization that provides engaging math programs to middle school students around the country. Lees meer

    MATHCOUNTS website

    Email Kristen Chandler

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are the MATHCOUNTS Competition and the MATHCOUNTS National Math Club programs like?
    • How does the MATHCOUNTS competition structure work across school, chapter, state, and national levels?

  27. Hire Order Thinking: Exploring Optimal Stopping Theory

    14 augustus 2024 · 39 min

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    A batch of almost perfect waffles leads Pete and Noah into an exploration of an interesting probability result. Come find out how, whether you're eating breakfast or hiring a new employee, math is here to help you make the best choice. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the 37 percent rule in the secretary problem?
    • How does the mathematical constant e relate to optimal stopping theory?

  28. Double Dealing: The Mathematics of Deal or No Deal, Part 2

    17 juli 2024 · 35 min

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    It's time for our second episode about the mathematics of Deal or No Deal. At the end of Part 1, Noah asked Pete if The Banker follows certain set rules or patterns when deciding how much to offer contestants, and a challenge was born. Is it possible to use data from past shows to devise an algorithm that can predict the offers? Stay tuned as Pete takes Noah along on his mathematical journey in search of a model that works. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • Can you use math to predict the banker's offers on Deal or No Deal?
    • What is the difference between using a linear model and a random forest algorithm for data analysis?

  29. What's the Deal?: The Mathematics of Deal or No Deal

    19 juni 2024 · 28 min

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    The recent return of this classic game show prompts Pete and Noah to discuss the probability and statistics at work, to see if they can figure out what makes for a "good deal". Join in as they dive into the mathematics behind the show. They'll even present you with a challenge that could earn you a shout out on a future episode. Lees meer

    • Deal or No Deal Data for this episode's challenge

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the expected value of the briefcases in Deal or No Deal, and how do you calculate it?
    • How do the mean and median of the briefcase amounts affect player perception in Deal or No Deal?

  30. A Mathematician Walks Into a Bar: A Celebration of Math Jokes

    24 april 2024 · 33 min

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    It's The Math Club's second anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by telling a bunch of math jokes? Join us as we share our favorites, along with jokes from our listeners and a few special surprises along the way. Knock knock. Who's there? The Math Club! Lees meer
  31. Leaving Flatland: A Discussion About Higher Spatial Dimensions

    6 maart 2024 · 29 min

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    How many dimensions does a sphere have? If you said three (like Noah did), you may be surprised to hear that you overshot. In this episode, Pete and Noah explore spatial dimensions, and use a literary classic to illustrate what it even means when mathematicians talk about spaces with more than three. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the difference between a sphere and a solid ball in mathematics?
    • How can we visualize higher spatial dimensions using the Flatland analogy?

  32. Rooty Tooty: Calculating Square Roots by Hand

    24 januari 2024 · 33 min

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    A family movie night reminds Pete of an ancient algorithm for calculating square roots, so it's back to The Math Club with pencils and paper in hand. Join Pete and Noah as they investigate this algorithm to see just how accurate its results can be. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How do you calculate the square root of a non-perfect square by hand?
    • What is the Heron of Alexandria algorithm for approximating square roots?

  33. Math Club Encore: So Many Birds

    13 december 2023 · 22 min

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    Hey there, Math Club. We're taking some time off to spend the holidays with our families, so this week we have a rerun of last year's holiday episode... So Many Birds. Lees meer

    Season's Greetings! With the holidays on the horizon, a famous song leads Pete and Noah to talk about strategies for adding up long sequences of numbers. Come join the fun, and learn how a young Carl Gauss may (or may not) have done it. And if you're up for a challenge, we even "sum it up" with a special holiday puzzle for you to try.

    • Brian Hayes's article in American Scientist

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  34. Math Club Encore: Tales from Decrypt

    29 november 2023 · 42 min

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    Hey there, Math Club. We're taking some time off to spend the holidays with our families, so we have a rerun of one of our favorite episodes this week... Tales from Decrypt. Lees meer

    Today's match-up answers the age-old question of what happens when an unstoppable brain meets an unbreakable cipher. In the red corner, weighing in at 2,193 digits…. Noah's deviously encrypted message! And in the blue corner.... The Commissioner of Codebreaking…. The Foreman of Frequency Analysis…. Pete's decoding skills! Only one will leave the ring victorious. Who will it be? Tune in and find out! The match is about to begin... DING DING DING!

    • Encrypted passage to decode

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  35. Video Bonus: Hip to be Square

    17 november 2023 · 1 min

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    In our last episode, Hip to be Square. Pete told us about two famous magic squares—the Sagrada Família magic square and the Dürer magic square—and he mentioned that it's worth seeing them side by side. We thought it would be fun to put together this short video showing how they compare with one another. Lees meer
  36. Hip to be Square: Investigating Magic Squares

    15 november 2023 · 50 min

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    Ever heard of a magic square? How about 17 quintillion magic squares? In this episode, Pete and Noah explore these fascinating mathematical objects to find out more about them. Join in the fun as we look at examples of centuries-old magic squares, and investigate the fascinating connections they share with some modern day puzzles. Lees meer

    The Sagrada Familía magic square

    The Durer magic square

    Our Rubik's Cube symmetry video

    Play Sudoku

    Play KenKen

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are mathematical magic squares, and how are they put together?
    • What is the magic constant for a normal magic square of order n?
    • What are some puzzles that are related to magic squares?

  37. Video Bonus: Linear Thinking

    3 november 2023 · 8 min

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    In our last episode, Linear Thinking, Pete mentioned that one practical application of linear algebra is in the field of urban planning and traffic flow. Here's a video bonus to illustrate how a linear system of equations can be created from traffic data. Lees meer
  38. Linear Thinking: A Puzzle Involving a Linear System of Equations

    1 november 2023 · 36 min

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    In this episode, Pete and Noah tackle an "unsolvable math problem" that appeared in a recent Newsweek article (Spoiler: It's not that unsolvable). Join us as we apply linear algebra to this puzzle from start to Finnish. Lees meer

    The Newsweek article

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • Can you solve a linear system with fewer equations than variables?
    • What is the geometric representation of a linear system with three unknowns?

  39. MathGPT: Can AI Do Math?

    18 oktober 2023 · 42 min

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    In this episode, Pete and Noah explore the question, "Can AI do math?" Armed with several boxes of Chicken McNuggets, they put ChatGPT to the test, scrutinizing its mathematical prowess and giggling over how bad its attempts sometimes are. Join them as they investigate just how far the digital mind can go in mastering the realm of numbers. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How does AI process mathematical expressions and calculations?
    • Can ChatGPT solve complex math problems like the Chicken McNugget Theorem?

  40. A Tactical Advantage: An interview about Fact Tactics with Dr. Juli Dixon

    4 oktober 2023 · 38 min

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    A somewhat traumatic memory about fifth grade timed multiplication tests inspires Pete and Noah to have a conversation with Dr. Juli Dixon, author of a brand new program for teaching math facts fluency without all of the anxiety. Join us for our most factacular episode to date! Lees meer

    Dr. Dixon's DNA Math website

    Find Dr. Dixon on Twitter

    The Fact Tactics Fluency Program book

    Request availability for Dr. Dixon

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How can teachers help students learn multiplication facts without making them anxious?
    • What is the difference between math fact fluency and automaticity?

  41. Dome Sweet Dome: Exploring Geodesic Structures

    20 september 2023 · 35 min

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    What do you get if you cross 11,520 isosceles triangles with the happiest place on Earth? The Epcot ball, of course, which is perhaps the most famous geodesic structure in the world. Join Pete and Noah as they investigate these incredibly sturdy mathematical objects… and make sure to wear your clam diggers! Lees meer

    Picture of the geodesic dome at the Dalí Museum in Figueres, Spain

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are the mathematical principles and structural advantages of a geodesic dome?
    • How do you calculate the number of triangles in a geodesic dome?

  42. The Elevator and the Fencepost: Zero-Based Counting

    6 september 2023 · 30 min

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    Pete is back, and Noah is eager to hear about his trip and record a new episode about an interesting bit of European math. Join us for some zero-based counting, inspired by an elevator that Pete rode on his first day in Spain. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the difference between zero-based counting and one-based counting?
    • What is a fence post error (or off-by-one error) in mathematics?

  43. A Math Workout: An Interview with the Mathnasium

    23 augustus 2023 · 30 min

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    We've spoken with previous guests about classroom math instruction, as well as how to help students with learning disabilities in mathematics. But what about the enormous middle ground of students who need extra help, but don't qualify for special education services? In this episode we're joined by Jonathan Bleecker, owner of a Mathnasium learning center, for an engaging conversation about how math tutors help to fill in those gaps. Lees meer

    Contact Livermore Mathnasium

    Mathnasium's website

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How does the Mathnasium curriculum and instructional approach differ from a traditional school setting?
    • What qualities should you look for in a good math tutor?

  44. We Love the Subs: Using Substitution in Math

    9 augustus 2023 · 29 min

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    In this episode, the search for a temporary co-host to sub for Pete turns into a conversation about mathematical substitutions. Join Noah and (the other) Pete as they talk about this powerful strategy, and why being manipulative can be a good thing when you're doing math. Lees meer

    Link to this episode's puzzle

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How can you use substitution to solve a system of linear equations?
    • Why are mathematical manipulations like substitution considered a critical skill for students?

  45. Those Who Can, Teach: A Conversation about Mathematics Instruction

    26 juli 2023 · 40 min

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    With Pete away on vacation, Noah invites a panel of educators over for a lively conversation about mathematics instruction. Join us as the panel discusses their early days in the classroom, how math education has changed over the past few decades, and what changes they'd like to see in the future. Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • How has math education changed over the past few decades?
    • How has technology like digital assistants and online learning tools impacted math education?

  46. I, Conic: What are Conic Sections?

    12 juli 2023 · 40 min

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    An idea for a new ice cream treat leads Pete and Noah to discuss the different conic sections that can be created by intersecting a cone with a plane at various angles. Grab a flashlight and get ready to shine a (cone-shaped) light on these interesting geometric creations with us. Lees meer

    Image of the four non-degenerate conic sections

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What are conic sections and how are they formed?
    • What is the difference between a parabola and a catenary curve?

  47. Made to Order: PEMDAS and the Order of Operations

    28 juni 2023 · 43 min

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    You've probably seen people arguing on social media about memes that say: "Only a true genius will get this one right", followed by a simple looking expression to evaluate. In this episode, a mathematical miscalculation inspires a conversation about math conventions, order of operations, and being careful before placing a delivery order. And the best news is, you don't have to be a true genius to enjoy this episode! Lees meer

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the order of operations in math?
    • Is the order of operations a mathematical fact or a convention?

  48. Video Bonus: Cool Beans

    15 juni 2023 · 5 min

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    In our last episode, Pete walked Noah through a calculation (using Newton's Law of Cooling) to predict what the temperature of a hot cup of water would be 10 minutes later. Here's a video bonus to help follow along with the calculations they made.

  49. Cool Beans: An Experiment with Newton's Law of Cooling

    14 juni 2023 · 42 min

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    After Pete spills a cup of hot coffee, he and Noah conduct an experiment to test Newton's Law of Cooling, a physical law that describes the rate at which warm objects cool down. Along the way, they discuss differential equations, exponential functions, and the proper way to sit after getting in a hot tub. This may be the hottest episode of the Math Club yet! Lees meer

    Photo of our experiment setup

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is Newton's Law of Cooling and how does it predict temperature changes over time?
    • How do you calculate the heat transfer coefficient for a cooling liquid using an exponential function?

  50. Model Behavior: What is the Petrie Multiplier?

    31 mei 2023 · 27 min

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    Have you ever engaged in some friendly smack-talk during a sporting event? In this episode, Pete and Noah are on the receiving end of a lot of teasing out on the softball field. After the game, they analyze this kind of interaction and use a clever thought experiment to shed light on an important issue of social equality. Lees meer

    Karen Petri's video - Why attacks on sexism are not attacks on men

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    Questions Answered in the Episode:
    • What is the Petrie multiplier and how does it explain the disproportionate experience of discrimination in the workplace?
    • How does the ratio of majority to minority populations mathematically affect the frequency of negative interactions received by individuals in the minority group?