Column

  1. Math

    The Coin in the Cake

    Hiding a coin in a cake offers a lucky slice and a tantalizing math problem.

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Math

    Rankings, Tournaments, and Playoffs

    All outcome-based sports ranking systems are fundamentally flawed.

    By Ivars Peterson
  3. Math

    Travels of a Shopper

    Shoppers tend to be a lot less efficient than they could be when picking up groceries at the supermarket.

    By Ivars Peterson
  4. Math

    Scripting Boffo Box Office

    A computer model can help select movie scripts that lead to success at the box office.

    By Ivars Peterson
  5. Math

    Geometry in Court

    The Pythagorean theorem and geometric series played leading roles in two legal disputes.