An exploration into the intricacies of square roots.

Square Roots

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 Square Roots

Sign up to save your podcasts

Square Roots

Square Roots

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

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Cory Doctorow: Computer and Internet Regulation - Audio

Beginners’ Chinese - Audio

Space, Time and Consciousness - for iPod/iPhone

Cooperation, anarchy and interdependence - Audio

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio

Exploring mathematics: a powerful tool - for iPad/Mac/PC

Ouverture: Intermediate French - for iPad/Mac/PC

Bon départ: beginners’ French second edition - for iPod/iPhone

The Galapagos - for iPod/iPhone