Column

  1. Math

    Pancake Sorting

    Flipping pancakes to stack them according to size can be a tricky business.

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Math

    Making Sense of the Web’s Structure

    Pioneering studies of social networks and the Web's structure lead to a prestigious prize.

    By Ivars Peterson
  3. Math

    Puzzling Names in Boxes

    An ingenious search strategy leads to a death-defying feat.

    By Ivars Peterson
  4. Math

    Lake Wobegon Averages

    Computing average class size can give different answers that depend on your point of view.

    By Ivars Peterson
  5. Math

    Math Lit

    Cryptography and other mathematical topics play key roles in several recent novels.

    By Ivars Peterson
  6. Math

    Names for Numbers

    Named numbers, such as Smiths, have all sorts of intriguing properties.

    By Ivars Peterson
  7. Math

    Aircraft Boarding by the Numbers

    Random airplane boarding isn't so bad.

    By Ivars Peterson
  8. Math

    Flirting with the Impossible

    A new book champions the importance of imagination and fantasy in mathematics.

    By Ivars Peterson
  9. Math

    Bending a Soccer Ball

    Mathematics suggests a variety of alternative designs for soccer balls.

    By Ivars Peterson
  10. Math

    Magic Square Physics

    Taking a magic square or cube for a spin reveals some interesting properties. For more math, visit the MathTrek blog.

    By Ivars Peterson
  11. Math

    Counting Franklin’s Magic Squares

    Benjamin Franklin's remarkable magic squares are just three of more than 1 million possibilities. For more math, visit the MathTrek blog.

    By Ivars Peterson
  12. Math

    Folding Perfect Thirds

    Origami provides a hands-on way to explore mathematical concepts. For more math, visit the MathTrek blog.

    By Ivars Peterson