A twist on the Two Children Problem shows how information can steer what looks probable.
Published:
2010-06-28 12:07:25
Found in: Numbers
To figure out how much we should spend fighting climate change, economists have some questions for you: How much would you be willing to spend now to make your child $100 richer in the future? What about your grandchild in the farther future, or your great-great-great-great-great-grandchild in the very distant future?
The health of the planet may hinge on the answers. Most economic analyses of climate change have concluded that we should be spending only small amounts to combat climate change now, ramping up slowly over time. This conclusion mystifies most climate scientists, who argue that i...
Published:
2010-05-21 13:46:17
Found in: Numbers
The reclusive mathematician who proved the Poincaré conjecture may or may not claim his prize.
Published:
2010-04-02 15:49:18
Found in: Numbers
Economics, origami and other fields trigger new and original creations.
Published:
2010-03-06 11:25:55
Found in: Numbers
Mathematicians apply a technique from vision research to find fake art.
Published:
2010-01-11 17:26:45
Found in: Numbers
The Polymath project harnesses the power of the Internet to use massive collaboration to solve a major problem in record time
Published:
2009-12-08 11:14:18
View the question sheet / student exercises at the bottom of this article.When Persi Diaconis was a kid, his favorite hangout was the magic store. He and his friends goofed around, practiced their tricks and longed for the books and tools.
Then one day, in walked the world’s greatest living magician.
Diaconis, a thirteen-year-old whippersnapper, decided to show off his card tricks. The great magician, Dai Vernon, was so impressed that he decided to teach the teenager a few new things. Each time the pair met in the shop, Vernon taught Diaconis a bit more. And within a year, Vernon offered ...
Published:
2009-09-30 12:17:22
Found in: Numbers and Science News For Kids
One mathematician’s closer look at voter ballot data reveals that results run afoul of Benford’s Law and show other suspicious anomalies.
Published:
2009-07-10 12:33:33
Found in: Numbers and Science & Society
Mathematicians find new answers to the still puzzling theorem that four colors suffice to color any map.
Published:
2009-03-06 15:27:11
Found in: Numbers
New, fair method for dividing states into congressional districts could reduce political squabbles.
Published:
2009-02-24 14:47:58
Found in: Numbers and Science & Society