Exploring mathematics: maths in nature and art - for iPod/iPhone - podcast cover

Exploring mathematics: maths in nature and art - for iPod/iPhone

The Open Universitywww3.open.ac.uk
What does mathematics have to do with nature or art? The video tracks in this album trace the origin of the mathematics of chaos and describe how the chance discovery of fractals became the basis for some real - and revolutionary - commercial applications such as the fax and the modem. A closer look at ancient fabric designs and the spiral of a nautilus shell also reveals repeating patterns that can be analysed in a mathematical way. This material forms part of The Open University course MS221 Exploring mathematics.
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Episodes

Spirals in nature

An introduction to a primitive mollusc, a triumph of natural engineering.

Jul 15, 20091 min

How a sundial works

Using the shadow’s path to register the passing of time.

Jul 15, 20092 min

Visualising a conic

The mathematics behind the curves created with a torch beam

Jul 15, 20093 min

Slicing cones

Algebraic systems to represent slices of cones.

Jul 15, 20094 min

Where art meets maths

How repeating motifs in fabric designs are made up of four isometric transformations.

Jul 15, 200912 min

The last universalist

An introduction to Henri Poincare and his efforts to prove the mathematical stability of the solar system.

Jul 15, 20093 min

A chaotic universe

A mistake in calculations leads to a revolutionary discovery.

Jul 15, 20094 min

Natural mathematics

How close examination of a fern reveals the geometry of fractals.

Jul 15, 20093 min
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