Here is an interesting definition; “If something is random then it is unable to be described using Mathematics.” or Mathematics explains order by using formulae. Randomness cannot be defined using an equation.” So, do mathematicians try to develop formulae to describe random patterns, such as those encountered with pi, prime numbers, etc.?
No, this is an interesting twist in this mathematical world of randomness! Here is the original photo, taken of a clothesline outside one night during the latest full moon: So the questions arises – why was this photo (above) cropped to form the one below? Did I subconsciously crop to form an ordered, rather than […]
Here is an interesting pattern, noticed by our editors last night (that could be a hint?). What do you think it is? Is there a mathematical pattern to it? I put this to three different classes today (Grades 7,8 and 11) and they all struggled with the concept of “random” patterns in Mathematics. I posed […]
Actually, no! We are not told how many wise men came at the birth of Christ – just that wise men came from the east. They were wealthy as well – which is a by-product of being wise?? Anyway, if you are a student who just cannot get wise with some topics then the following […]
“Nature is a book, written in the language of Mathematics” Galileo “I don’t think our universe is described by Mathematics. I think it is Mathematics” Max Tegmark Click on Mark in the picture above for more discussion on this topic
Here is a typical Year 8 or 9 problem where you are asked to solve two equations simultaneously. That is, you need to find where the two lines meet. Of course there are only two possible options for two straight lines: 1. They are parallel and don’t cross over at all or 2. They cross […]
Dan Meyer gives Maths Teaching (and learning) a new perspective at TED Talks. Today’s math curriculum is teaching students to expect (and excel at) a paint-by-numbers (formulae and fun- flavoured) classwork, robbing students of a skill more important than solving problems: formulating them. In his talk, Dan Meyer shows classroom-tested math exercises that prompt students […]
This just in… “Beauty contestants in China’s Hubei province must now comply with minimum body requirements. Among them, according to China’s Global Post, the space between the pupils should be 46 per cent of the distance between each pupil and the nearer ear, and the distance between a candidate’s nipples should be at least 20cm.” […]
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Students enjoy learning to visualise and draw 3D shapes when given the 2D information. Click on image for more info and to download the “dotty” or isometric paper.
