Using tally sticks, a cake, a thermometer, a number line and graphics boards, David Brannan and Phil Rippon, both of The Open University, look at rational and irrational numbers.

Rational and Irrational Numbers

Maths in movies has often been used creatively as a method by which to engage students in formulas and numerical theory. The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz features a maze of potential mathematical problems – not least the Scarecrow’s incorrect pronunciation of Pythagoras’ theorem. Presented by The Open University’s David Brannan and Phil Rippon, ‘From Fractions to Formulas’ is a light-hearted parody of the Wizard of Oz (pronounced "Oh-Zed"), in which the traditional characters are replaced by mathematical concepts, including fractions and Pi, that come together in an enactment of the pioneering mathematician, Leonard Euler's formula: e^(i Pi) = -1. The accompanying tracks are taken from Open University maths courses and explore the problems tackled in the drama.

For more information and how to study at The Open University, go to www.mcs.open.ac.uk

Education

Maths in movies has often been used creatively as a method by which to engage students in formulas and numerical theory. The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz features a maze of potential mathematical problems – not least the Scarecrow’s incorrect pronunciation of Pythagoras’ theorem. Presented by The Open University’s David Brannan and Phil Rippon, ‘From Fractions to Formulas’ is a light-hearted parody of the Wizard of Oz (pronounced "Oh-Zed"), in which the traditional characters are replaced by mathematical concepts, including fractions and Pi, that come together in an enactment of the pioneering mathematician, Leonard Euler's formula: e^(i Pi) = -1. The accompanying tracks are taken from Open University maths courses and explore the problems tackled in the drama. For more information and how to study at The Open University, go to www.mcs.open.ac.uk

Share Rational and Irrational Numbers

Sign up to save your podcasts

Rational and Irrational Numbers

Rational and Irrational Numbers

More shows like The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas - for iPod/iPhone

Writing Poetry - Audio

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Darwin and language diversity - Audio

Space, Time and Consciousness - for iPod/iPhone

Pygmalion meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer - for iPod/iPhone

David Hume: 18th Century Philosopher - Audio

Moons of the Solar System - for iPod/iPhone

Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author - Audio

Art history: modern and contemporary - for iPod/iPhone

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio