The Math Club

In this long-awaited followup to our popular Math Club Junior episode, Pete and Noah are back with Mrs. Morrison's class, as chaperones on a field trip to the local zoo. Listen in as our group of Junior Zookeepers meet a whole new cast of zany characters, and once again learn that math is everywhere if you just look around. And just like last time, this story is full of interesting math challenges for listeners in the upper elementary grades to enjoy and solve. • A slide deck with visuals to go along with each problem from the story

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A family visit to the Netherlands introduces Pete to the idea of average speed zones, which illustrate a particularly interesting mathematical theorem. Join our hosts as they really go off on a tangent about the mean value theorem, and how it just might get you a speeding ticket.

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • What is an average speed zone and how does it work to catch speeding drivers? • What is the Mean Value Theorem and how does it relate average rates of change to instantaneous rates of change?

It's finally here! Part Three of the Fermat Trilogy! In this exciting conclusion, Pete and Noah talk about the mathematicians who ultimately proved (or thought they'd proven) Fermat's Last Theorem. Join us for the final chapter of this riveting 350 year journey!

• The Proof - Nova Documentary on Andrew Wiles's proof
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Questions Answered in the Episode: • Who proved Fermat's Last Theorem? • How does the Taniyama-Shimura conjecture relate to the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem?

Join us for part two of our deep dive into the history of Fermat's Last Theorem. In this episode, Pete and Noah focus on the fascinating story of Sophie Germain, a 19th century French mathematician who pursued a proof in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Come learn about this impressive chapter in the saga of one of the most interesting problems in mathematical history.

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • What work did Sophie Germain do to advance the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem? • Why is it sufficient to prove Fermat's Last Theorem only for prime exponents?

A few episodes back, our hosts talked about the great unsolved mathematical problems of our time, and Pete teased an interesting story about one such problem that was finally solved not too long ago. In this first of a two-part episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Fermat's Last Theorem... from its inception, to Fermat's bold claim that he had a proof that he couldn't share, to the mathematical greats of yesteryear who took up the challenge to prove it. Join us for a look into this intriguing conjecture, and its amazing history.

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • What does Fermat's Last Theorem state and how does it relate to the Pythagorean Theorem? • Why is it called Fermat's Last Theorem?

In this episode, Pete and Noah are joined by Andy Looney, the creator of the card game Fluxx, to talk about Math Fluxx and his history designing games. Whether you're a math person who loves a good game or a game person who loves to do math, we're sure you'll find Andy and his story to be interestingly enjoyable. Game on!

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • What is Math Fluxx and how do you play it? • How did Andy Looney come up with Math Fluxx and other Fluxx games?

If you've ever seen a science fiction movie or TV show, then you've heard of the spacetime continuum. But what is it, and is there math that describes it? In this episode, Pete and Noah dive into the facts about spacetime, and its fascinating mathematical history.

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • What is the mathematical definition of spacetime? • How does the Lorentz factor explain time dilation in special relativity?

It's the holiday season, and Pete and Noah are getting into the festive spirit by looking at the math behind a favorite Hannukah game. Join our hosts as they delve into the probabilities of the dreidel and uncover a counterintuitive truth about its fairness. Whatever traditions you and your family look forward to at this time of year, we promise a lively and interesting time as we take this topic for a spin. Seasons Greetings!

• Robert Feinerman's paper, An Ancient Unfair Game

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • Why is the game of dreidel mathematically unfair, and which player has the statistical advantage? • How do the different possible outcomes of each dreidel spin affect the expected value of the pot for each player?

In our last episode, finding Primo, Pete explained a couple of tests that mathematicians use when trying to decide if very large numbers are prime. We thought it might be helpful to see the math written down, so we put together this video bonus.

Finding Primo - full episode

Have you heard the big news? There's a new largest known prime number, and Noah wants to know how it was discovered. In this episode, Pete explains the various tests used to determine the primality of insanely large numbers, and there's even a prime challenge for you to sink your teeth into.

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Questions Answered in the Episode: • How are new prime numbers discovered? • What are Mersenne primes and how are they calculated?