Column

  1. Math

    Acoustic Residues

    There’s a surprising mathematical ingredient in the sound of many performing artists and recording stars. It manifests itself in the form of clusters of panels hanging on the walls of recording studios, concert halls, nightclubs, and other venues. Sculpted from wooden strips separated by thin aluminum dividers, each panel consists of an array of wells […]

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Math

    Random Home Runs

    For fans of major-league baseball, one of the highlights of the current season is the rate at which Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants is hitting home runs. Through June 25, Bonds has hit 39 home runs in 77 games, already setting the record for the most home runs before the all-star break in […]

    By Ivars Peterson
  3. Math

    Bubbles and Math Olympiads

    Predicting the geometric shapes of soap bubble clusters can lead to surprisingly difficult mathematical problems.